"He said that your normal health appeared to be up to the average young woman's, but he hadn't sounded you in any way, and--" "And he shan't!" interjected Olga, with vehemence.
"And so couldn't say for certain," ended Nick.

"But--I'll tell you this--he doesn't like our precious scheme--at all." "Why not ?" said Olga.

"What has it got to do with him ?" "I don't know," said Nick.
"Why didn't you ask him ?" "My dear, you can do that in the morning--before I write to Muriel." "I will," said Olga firmly.

"It's my belief that you're afraid of him," she added, a moment later.
"No, I'm not," said Nick simply.
"Then why are you so careful of his feelings ?" "I shouldn't like to see him writhing in hell," said Nick.

"I've done it myself, and I know exactly what it feels like." "Really, Nick!" "Yes, really, little sweetheart.