"The man is crazy about you," said he, frowning.
"I can't help lunatics being at large," said Leah, reassured as to his meaning and at once on the defensive. "Have I encouraged him?"
He hastened to protest. "Oh no. As I said before, your conduct as Jim's wife has been admirable--truly admirable. But I should not like to see you marry Demetrius."
"Why should you think me willing to do so?"
"I don't, since the man is a foreigner and poor and untitled."
"He can be a prince and wealthy, if he chooses to be reconciled with the Russian authorities."
"Even then, Leah, do you really like this man?"
"As a clever doctor and an amusing talker--yes. Well?"
Frith, baffled and perplexed, bit his finger again. "He is devoted to you; they talk of it at the clubs. No, no," hurriedly, as she turned crimson with indignation; "there's not a word said against you. But this absurd infatuation--and you a widow; these foreigners go to ridiculous lengths, so you see----"
"I certainly do not see," interrupted Leah, with conviction. "Did you offer assistance so that you might meddle?"