And Violet knew so well how to wield her power, when to scorn and when subtly to flatter.

She had never yet received a check in her triumphant career, and she boasted openly of her conquests.
No, Olga was fain to admit it.

All her own private aversion notwithstanding, she did not want this man added to the list of victims.
Cynical and even overbearing though he might be, she no longer desired to see him humiliated.

And her face glowed more and more hotly as she remembered that it was she who had set the trap.
She fully realized, however, that an appeal to Violet at this stage would be worse than futile.

Violet was too set on her mischievous course to do other than laugh and pursue it with renewed zest for her capture.
Of course there remained Nick, chosen adviser and confidant; but for some reason Olga shrank from discussing Max with him.