ure as theirs.
He was in a particularly charming mood, and was evidently determined to
enjoy himself to the utmost.

But he was not minded to give them too much of his society, and
presently he slipped away to take a peep at Peggy.

"I shan't wake her," he said; but apparently he found his small adorer
awake, for he did not return.

"He's a dear boy," said Daisy.

Olga assented warmly. "I shall love him for a brother."

Daisy smiled faintly. "Poor Noel! I'm afraid that is scarcely the sort
of appreciation he wants."

Olga flushed. She was standing near the window, her girlish face
outlined against the dark. Very young and slender she looked standing
there, scarcely more than a child; and Daisy's heart went out to her in
a sudden rush of almost passionate tenderness. She rose impulsively and
joined her. She slipped a warm arm round her waist.

Olga glanced at her in momentary surprise, then swiftly responded to the
caress. She leaned her cheek against Daisy's shoulder.

"You see," she said, "I met Max first."

"I see, dear," said Daisy. She hesitated a moment. "And Max is your
ideal of all that a man should be?" she asked then.

"Oh, no!" said Olga. She gave a little laugh. "No; Nick is that, and
always has been. I don't think anyone could idealize Max, do you?"

"But you love him?" said Daisy.

Olga looked at her with clear, direct eyes. "Oh, yes, I love him. But I
don't try to think he is nicer than he really is. Nice or horrid, I love
him just the same."

"Do you know any horrid things about him, then?" Daisy asked.

Olga laughed again. "I knew the horrid part of him first," she said.
"Why, I--I almost hated him once."

"And then you changed your mind," said Daisy.

The love-light glowed softly in Olga's eyes as she answered, "Yes, dear
Mrs. Musgrave; he made me."

Daisy uttered a sharp, involuntary sigh. "I hope he is all you believe
him to be," she said.

"But why do you say that?" questioned Olga. "I'm afraid you don't like
him."

Daisy hesitated. "I am afraid I know too much about him," she said at
length.

Olga looked at her in surprise. "Has Noel been telling you things?"

Daisy shook her head.

"Oh, then it's that detestable Major Hunt-Goring!" said Olga, adding
quickly: "Please forgive me for running down your guest; but he really
is a hateful man."

"I don't care for him myself, dear," said Daisy.

"He has only come here to make mischief," said Olga, with conviction. "I
guesse