"Madame," Aksakoff bent and raised her hand to kiss it; "as a wife you are far above rubies. Shall we return?"
Leah consented without moving. She had not yet solved her problem. "One moment. You will give me your word that M. Demetrius will not be lured to Paris?"
"I give you my word, if the treaty is made, and Katinka is disabused of her infatuation."
"Which forms part of the treaty," said Leah, lightly. "In the interests of Jim, I'll do my best; but should he go to Paris----"
"He will assuredly leave it for Siberia, which is much colder and not so amusing."
"Then I must advise him to be naturalised in England."
"It will be the act of a friend, madame. And also, you might advise him to beware of this actress."
"Oh, I can't intrude my advice into his strictly private affairs."
"If you wish your husband to be cured, it will be as well to do so," Aksakoff recommended. "Mademoiselle Ninette is not to be trusted."
"Ninette? I have seen her--a very charming artiste."