"Not invariably, since we now converse in English," said Askew, dryly; and she approved of the retort. Clearly he was rapidly recovering from the green-sickness of crude passion.
Meantime Joan instructed Aksakoff in ancient history. "The hieroglyphics on the Place de la Concorde Obelisk describe the triumphs of Rameses II., who reigned over Egypt in the fourteenth century before Christ. Mr. Askew knows him."
"Indeed?" smiled Lady Jim. "Is he stopping in Paris?"
"Miss Tallentire means to say that I know 'of him.'"
"Well, I said so. But my English is faulty."
"Mr. Askew will surely improve it. His knowledge of hieroglyphics----"
"The guide-book's knowledge, Lady James," corrected Askew.
"Hum! Information while you wait--Murray and Baedeker's extract of history--archeological tabloids."
"What felicitous phrases!"
"Sarcasm! That surely means--convalescence."