"What you need is change of scene, if not of society. Now there is Paris, which you probably know well."
"I do not know it at all," he confessed.
"What a neglected education! I must teach you Paris. Will you be ready for your first lesson early next week?"
"I do not quite understand."
Lady Jim nodded laughingly. "Which proves that 'our future' is now split into 'your future' and 'my future.'"
"I am more in the dark than ever," said the amazed listener.
Lady Jim curled her lip contemptuously. "You men need so much explanation," said she; then, meaningly, "I can still retain you as a friend, I hope."
"What do you--that is--on what grounds----? You do not comprehend!" He stuttered, grew red, and writhed over the fire on which she was grilling him, with much enjoyment to herself.
"Ah, but I do comprehend--very clearly, too. When did the change come?"
"The--change?"