"No, no!" She pushed back her chair from that too alluring bait. "I cannot take it, and I shall say nothing about it. Stay"--she took the fluttering paper from his hand and rose. "You have paid me on Jim's behalf--is that not so?"
"Yes;" Aksakoff watched her, wondering at this right-about-face.
"Then"--she approached the fire and flung in the cheque--"the debt is paid, and you are free."
"Ah, but no."
"I say, yes." Lady Jim approached him with outstretched hands, and a smile which had won her many things. "You are my friend and not my debtor. Is it not so?"
He kissed those extended hands. "Madame, a hard-working and poor official thanks you. My services now and ever are at your command."
With the thought that Demetrius might return unexpectedly from Siberia, she thanked him. "I may have to remind you of that some day."
"When and where you will, madame!" His pale eyes lighted up with enthusiastic fire. "Were you my wife, I should be an ambassador."
"You may be some day. Madame Aksakoff has talents."
"Madame Aksakoff is--Madame Aksakoff; and you, are----"