"I hope not, for the sake of morality," said Lady Jim, lightly, and thinking that the soup was worse than usual. "However, it doesn't matter. My husband is a modest man, and sometimes drops his title when travelling. I daresay, as Mr. Berring, he thought he was free to make love."
"But he wasn't," protested Askew, with a glance towards the unconscious Jim, who apparently had not recognised him.
"You should tell him so."
"I intend to--in the smoking room."
Lady Jim looked at him imperiously, and softened her voice to a very direct whisper. "Don't make trouble," she said, in a somewhat domineering tone; "that will do no good and much harm. And after all, married or unmarried, every man has a right to admire a pretty woman."
"But not to make love to her," muttered the young man, with another vengeful glance.
"I am no casuist," replied Leah, calmly; "and you should be pleased that things are as they are. You can now return to Lima, or Rosario, and marry the lady."
"She wouldn't have me!"
"Is she so much in love with Mr. Berring, then?"
"Please don't, Lady James. I can't talk like this to you."