"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.