She stooped and put her lips to the key-hole.

"Violet--Violet darling--let me in! Let me be with you!" Instantly the sobbing ceased, but it was Mrs.Briggs's voice that made answer.

"You can't come in, Miss Olga, only unless you're by yourself.
Miss Violet's still very upset-like, and she ain't wanting anyone but me." There was authority in the announcement.

Mrs.Briggs was not without considerable strength of character, and she knew how to keep her head in an emergency.
Olga looked at Nick.
"I should wait if I were you," he counselled.

"She is sure to want you later on." She nodded silently, and bent over Cork.