But the fact remained that she had delivered him to Violet to be tormented, and that before he had given any sign of suffering she had repented the rash act.

He might be capable of suffering or he might not; but she had a passionate desire to know him safe before the fire had begun to kindle.
Violet's return at length broke up her reflections.

She awoke from her reverie with a start to exclaim upon the lateness of the hour.

It was already close upon luncheon-time.
"We shall have to scorch," laughed Violet.
And scorch they did at a rate that made the sober Mitchel swear inarticulately almost throughout the journey.

They met with no mishap, however, and finally reached Weir flushed, dishevelled, but exultant.
Max came from the direction of the surgery as they entered.
"Can I speak to you a moment ?" he said to Olga and drew her into her father's little smoking-room at the side of the hall almost before the words were uttered.
Olga faced him with a racing heart, burningly reminiscent of the note she had left in his hat, the note she had asked him to ignore.
He must have seen her embarrassment, for his green eyes studied her without mercy; but when he spoke it was not upon the subject of her overture.
"Look here!" he said.