She heard the church-bells ringing as she went to her room, but the impulse to obey their summons had wholly left her. She lay down wearily upon her bed. She wished there were not so many problems in life. She had an uneasy sensation as of being caught in the endless meshes of an invisible net that compassed her whichever way she turned. She did not sleep, but the rest did her good. Undeniably it had been a tiring day. It was growing dark when a tentative scratch at the door told her of Nick's presence there. She called him eagerly in. "Has Sir Kersley gone? I hope he didn't think me rude. Max made such a fuss about my resting. So I thought--" "Quite right, my chicken!" Nick came softly to her side. "Max explained your absence. How's the head?" "Oh, it's all right now. Nick, how soon will Dad and Muriel get your letters?" "The day after to-morrow," said Nick. She took his hand and squeezed it. "And we shall hear--when?" "On Thursday night--with luck," said Nick. She carried the hand impulsively to her lips. "Nick, you are a darling!" He laughed. "Same to you! But we won't count on it too much or we may find ourselves crying for the moon, which is the silliest amusement I know. How do you like Sir Kersley Whitton?" "Oh, very much. You heard about--about Violet's mother having been engaged to him, I suppose?" "He told me himself," said Nick. "What did he tell you, Nick?" Nick hesitated momentarily. "He spoke in confidence," he said then. "You won't tell me?" she asked quickly. "Sorry; I can't," said Nick. Olga sat up. A sudden idea had begun to illumine her brain. "Nick tell me this--anyhow! Did Violet's mother do--something dreadful?" "Look here, Olga _mia!_" said Nick severely. "I know you can't help being a woman, but you're not to look at your neighbour's cards. It's against the rules." She laughed a little. "Forgive me, Nick! I suppose supper is ready. I'll come down." They went down together, to find Violet thrumming her mandolin in the twilight for the benefit of Max who was stretched at full length on the drawing-room sofa. The three boys were scudding about the garden like puppies. As Olga and Nick entered, Violet looked up from her instrument. "I'm wondering if Sir Kersley would like to adopt me as well as Max. Do you think he would?" "Exceedingly doubtful," said Max, rising. "Why?" "You would take up too much of his valuable time," he rejoined. "A man has to think of that, you know." "Only horrid sordid men like you!" she retorted. He uttered his dry laugh. "A professional man must think of his career." She tossed her head. "Is that your creed--that there is no time for a woman in a professional man's life?" Max laughed again. "She mustn't be too beautiful, anyhow."