"Paris, Havre, Kronstadt, Siberia," said the ghostly porter.
"Ugh!" said Lady Jim.
[ CHAPTER XXIV]
Alone and punctual, hungry for mid-day victuals, and eager to impart newly acquired knowledge, Miss Tallentire returned from studying the Luxor Obelisk. Her coming upon the hour and solitary state were noted, but a second-hand rendering of hieroglyphic lore could be dispensed with by a lady entertaining a more modern-minded guest. Aksakoff, with a notable sparkle in his eyes--begotten by confidential conversation with his hostess--rose to welcome the fair interrupter. International courtesies were exchanged, while Leah, glancing impatiently at the clock, waited for their conclusion to slip in a question or so.
"Where is Mr. Askew? Why did he not bring you back?"
"He did, Lady James, as far as the lift. He is now writing a letter in the smoking-room."
"And so will forget that I asked him to luncheon. Please remind him, dear; or, better, tell the waiter to bring him up. M. Demetrius is coming also."
"Dr. Demetrius!" Joan paused in her exit. "I did not know that he was in Paris, Lady James."
"Nor did I until an hour ago. Don't lose time, dear. Mr. Askew may go, and I particularly wish him to stay."
Lady Jim ushered the girl out hurriedly, judiciously saw to the