"I shan't answer that question," he said.
"You needn't," said Max grimly.
"That's why," said Nick.
"Oh! I see." Max's eyes searched him narrowly for a moment, then returned to the ceiling.

"Does she think I'm in love with her ?" he asked rather curtly.
"Well, scarcely.

I shouldn't let her think that at present if I were you.

In my opinion any extremes are inadvisable at this stage." "I suppose you know I am going to marry her ?" said Max.
"Yes, I've divined that." "And you approve ?" "I submit to the inevitable," said Nick with a sigh.
Max smiled, the smile of a man who faces considerable odds with complete confidence.

"She doesn't--at present." Nick's grin of appreciation flashed across his yellow face and was gone.
"No, my friend.