"And he shan't!" interjected Olga, with vehemence. "And so couldn't say for certain," ended Nick. "But--I'll tell you this--he doesn't like our precious scheme--at all." "Why not?" said Olga. "What has it got to do with him?" "I don't know," said Nick. "Why didn't you ask him?" "My dear, you can do that in the morning--before I write to Muriel." "I will," said Olga firmly. "It's my belief that you're afraid of him," she added, a moment later. "No, I'm not," said Nick simply. "Then why are you so careful of his feelings?" "I shouldn't like to see him writhing in hell," said Nick. "I've done it myself, and I know exactly what it feels like." "Really, Nick!" "Yes, really, little sweetheart. You know or p'raps you don't know--what fools men can be." "I know they can be quite unreasonable and very horrid sometimes," said Olga. "Nick dear, you'll promise me, won't you, that if Muriel agrees and Dad agrees you won't let an outsider like Max stand in our way?" "Is he an outsider?" asked Nick humorously. "He is so far as I am concerned," said Olga. "I can't imagine why you take any notice of him." "Are you sure you don't yourself?" asked Nick. "Oh, in some things perhaps. But not in a matter of this sort. I think he is very interfering," said Olga resentfully. Nick smiled and rose. "I shouldn't be too hard on him, kiddie. Doubtless he has his reasons." "I should like to know what they are," said Olga. He stooped for a final kiss. "I daresay--if you were to ask him prettily--he would tell you." "Oh, no, he wouldn't," she said. "He never tells me anything, even if I beg him." She slipped her arms round his neck and held him closely for a moment. "Nick darling, you will work that lovely scheme of ours if you possibly can--promise me!--in spite of anything Max may say or do!" "You don't mind hurting his feelings?" asked Nick. "Oh, well,"--she hesitated--"he couldn't care all that. It's only his love of interference." "Or his love of you? I wonder which!" whispered Nick. "Nick! Nick!" Wonder, dismay, incredulity, mingled in the cry. But Nick had already slipped free from the clinging of her arms, and he did not pause in answer. "Good-night, Olga _mia_!" he called back to her softly from the door. "Don't forget to knock on the wall if you feel squeamish!" And with that he was gone. The latch clicked behind him, and she was alone. CHAPTER XI THE IMPOSSIBLE