The strain of the past few hours was beginning to tell upon her.

Her tears fell unrestrained upon the great dog's head.
Nick strolled away to the head of the stairs, and stood there like a sentinel, searching the blurred expanse of sea through the open window with alert, restless eyes.
Several minutes passed; then there came the sound of the key turning in the lock.

Olga stood up hastily, dashing away her tears.

Mrs.Briggs's head appeared in the aperture.
"Miss Olga," she said in a strenuous whisper, "Miss Violet would like to speak to you if so be as you're alone.

But she won't have anyone else." "There is only Captain Ratcliffe here," said Olga.
"Then p'raps he'll be good enough to wait outside," said Mrs.Briggs, with the air of a general issuing his orders.