"I foresaw that possibility, madame. As a dutiful wife, you naturally wish to keep so clever a doctor in attendance on your husband."
"Of course; but a trip to Siberia would not improve Jim's health."
"There is no need for the mountain to go to Mahomet, madame."
"Pardon me if in this case I think otherwise."
Aksakoff shrugged again. "I admit the reason, seeing that this particular mountain is married."
"These parables are a trifle wearisome, M. Aksakoff. The air is chilly, and I wish to return to Lady Richardson. Would you mind telling me plainly, before we part, why you sought this interview?"
"Assuredly, madame. My daughter loves this man, who does not love her, and who, by reason of his crime and opinions, is not an eligible husband. You were with Katinka this afternoon, as you informed me, and she is now so cheerful that I suspect you must have delivered some message from Demetrius to so raise her spirits. Or it might be"--he looked squarely at her, as he added, "that Demetrius is in Monte Carlo."
"No; your daughter had a letter from him, in which he stated that he was leaving Madeira for Jamaica. Go on, please."
"Katinka had a letter?" said Aksakoff, with an unpleasant look. "That, no doubt, accounts for her spirits. Were you Cupid's messenger, madame?"
Lady Jim smothered a laugh. "No; though I admit that I should like to see her happy."