"I will do so."
"Through Mademoiselle Askakoff?"
"No; there are other ways. I am not worthy of Katinka----"
"And, therefore, think yourself worthy of me," said Lady Jim, calmly. "Thank you! There's nothing like being honest."
"But you do not understand----"
"Oh yes, I do. I understand that you can make me a cheap sort of princess, and in some way can give me money----"
"All that you require--as my wife."
"You must have the lamp of Aladdin, then," said Leah, with a shrug. "My capacity for spending will try even your finances. But at the present moment I have not a penny, neither has my husband."
"Well?" asked the doctor, anxiously.
Now that the plunge was made she found less difficulty in speaking plainly. Leaning towards him, till the perfume of her hair and the close neighbourhood of her whole gracious person nearly maddened him into seizing her in his arms, she proceeded rapidly. "My husband's life is insured for twenty thousand pounds. If you as a doctor can arrange to satisfy the insurance company of his death, so that we can get the money, he will disappear, and I, in the eyes of the world, shall be free to marry you."