She looked at him.  “Why not?”

“Doctor’s orders,” he said imperturbably.

Violet laughed a little.  Olga’s face flamed.

“That is absurd!  I am going!”

“Where’s Nick?” said Max unexpectedly.

“Somewhere in the garden with Sir Kersley.  I believe they went to see the vine.”

“Then go to him,” said Max; “tell him I have forbidden you to go to church to-night, and see what he says.”

“I won’t,” said Olga.

She passed him without a second glance, and went indoors.

Violet laughed again.  Max turned towards her.  “Excuse me a moment!” he said, and therewith followed Olga into the house.

He overtook her at the foot of the stairs and stopped her without ceremony.

“Olga, what do you want to go to church for?”

She turned upon him in sudden, quivering anger.  “Max, leave me alone!  How dare you?”

His hand was on her arm.  He kept it there.  He looked steadily into her eyes.

“I dare because I must,” he said.  “You have had a tiring day, and you will end it with a racking headache if you are not careful.”

“What does it matter?” she flashed back.

He did not answer her.  “What are you so angry about?” he said.  “Tell me!”

She was silent.

“Olga,” he said, “it isn’t quite fair of you to treat me like this.”

“I shall treat you how I like,” she said.

“No, no, you won’t!” he said.

His voice was quiet, yet somehow it controlled her.  Her wild rebellion began to die down.  For a few seconds she stood in palpitating silence.  Then, almost under her breath:  “Max,” she said, “why did you take that other cigarette?”

She saw him frown.  “Why do you want to know?”

Her hands clenched unconsciously.  “You are always watching Violet—­always spying upon her.  Why?”

“I can’t tell you,” he said briefly and sternly.

“You can,” she said slowly, “if you will.”

“I won’t, then,” said Max.

She flinched a little, but persisted.  “Don’t you think I have a right to know?  It was I who brought her here.  She is—­in a sense—­under my protection.”

“What are you afraid of?” Max demanded curtly.

She shivered.  “I don’t know.  I believe you are trying to get some power over her.”

“You don’t trust me?” he said, in the same curt tone.

“I don’t know,” she said again.

“You do know,” he said.

She was silent.  There seemed nothing left to say.

He released her arm slowly.  “I am sorry I can’t be quite open with you,” he said.  “But I will pledge you my word of honour that whatever I do is in your friend’s interest.  Will that make things any easier?”

Her eyes fell before his.  “I—­was a fool to ask you,” she said.

He did not contradict the statement.  “You are going to have a rest now,” he said, “before the headache begins.”