Just bear me in mind, that's all; though I don't suppose for a moment that you could forget me if you tried," said Max with the utmost calmness.
"Why do you say that ?" said Olga rather breathlessly.
It suddenly seemed to her that she had gone a little further than she had intended.

She made an instinctive effort to get back while the way remained open.
But she was too late.

She felt his hand tighten.

For a moment she caught that gleam in his eyes which always disconcerted her.
And then it was gone, even as his hand released hers.

He turned back to the writing-table with his supercilious smile.
"Because, fair lady," he said, "you have met your fate.