But Noel here displayed a touch of his old imperious spirit.  “Who the devil cares for Max?” he demanded.  “He’s just got to come; and if he doesn’t like it, he can go hang.  Surely a fellow may be permitted to settle who is to be asked to his own funeral!”

“Oh, if you put it like that—­” said Nick.

“Well, it is like that; see?” There was a comic touch to Noel’s tragedy notwithstanding, and Nick divined with a satisfaction that he was careful to conceal that the role he had taken upon himself was not altogether distasteful to him.  The funeral arrangements obviously had their attractive side.

“Well, my boy, fix it up as you think best!” he said, giving him as ample a squeeze as his one arm could compass.  “You’re a soldier and a gentleman, and whatever you do will have my full approval.”

“What ho!” said Noel, highly gratified.

They parted then, going their several ways.  Noel to send his message, Nick in pursuit of the two children.  And so the rest of the afternoon wore away.

Muriel had tea laid in the old oak-panelled dining-room, and thither Nick presently marshalled his charges, to find his wife serenely waiting for them in solitude.

“Hasn’t Olga come in yet?” he asked.

“Yes, dear, some time ago.  But she looked so tired, poor child!” said Muriel.  “I persuaded her to go up to her room and lie down.  She has had some tea.”

“She will be all right?” asked Nick quickly.

“I think so.  She looks quite worn out.  She seems to need a sleep more than anything,” said Muriel.

He gave her a quick look.  “You saw Noel?”

“Yes.  He came in and talked for a few minutes after he left you.  He seems a very nice boy.”  A faint smile touched Muriel’s lips.

Nick laughed, pulling her hand round his neck as she brought him his tea.  “Lost your heart to him, eh?  It’s quite the usual thing to do.  Where has he gone?”

“He came over in Jim’s motor, and has gone away in it again.  He didn’t say where he was going.”

“Gone away without me!” ejaculated Peggy in consternation.

“He’ll come back again, my chicken.  Don’t you worry!” said Nick.  “Here!  Have a jam sandwich!”

“I want Noel,” said Peggy.  “Where is Noel?”

“He has gone out on business,” said Nick.  “Which reminds me,” he added to Muriel.  “His brother Max will probably be here this evening to spend the night.”

“Max!”

“Yes.  Don’t mention it upstairs!  Noel is pulling the wires, so be prepared for anything.”

“What wires is Noel pullin’?” Peggy wanted to know.

“Telegraph wires,” said Reggie brightly.

“Yes, telegraph wires,” chuckled Nick.  “I think I’ll just go up for a second, Muriel.  I shan’t wake her up if she’s asleep.”

He was gone with the words, swift and noiseless as a bird on the wing, and five seconds later was scratching very softly at Olga’s door.