Lady Jim ushered the girl out hurriedly, and judiciously saw to the closing of the door, before turning to meet Aksakoff's inquiring gaze. "You approve of a full table, madame?"
"There is safety in numbers," she assured him.
"For M. Demetrius?"
Leah resumed her seat with raised eyebrows. "I fear you will think me dull, M. Aksakoff, but I do not understand."
The diplomatist bowed an apology. He had forgotten that even in private her comedy was to be played by the book. The conversation of the next few minutes he foresaw very plainly. She would play round the reason for their meeting, without coming to grips, mysteriously conveying her meaning in speeches which she did not mean. Only a politician of Aksakoff's subtlety would have understood the unsaid from what she now proceeded to say.
"Besides"--she was continuing the speech interrupted by his bow--"you promised that no harm should come to the doctor."
"Madame, I renew that promise."
"I hope so; otherwise, I shall regret having consented to this meeting."
"Yet I understood that M. Demetrius desired it."
"That is no reason why I should consent."