"Yes; what a strange thing!"
"Oh, I don't know. He once told me that he inherited fits--mother's side. It was very rude of him to have one in my rooms, but some men are so inconsiderate."
"He loves you."
"Or loved me--which?"
"Present tense, I fancy. Will you marry him?"
"Will I marry the Emperor of China, you mean. No, thanks; I have no wish to live in a country of bounce and bombs. And I never could read those novels written by men with unpronounceable names. Besides, I can't bear dapper little men with waxed moustaches. I only tolerated Dr. Demetrius because he was useful to Jim."
"A great friend of your husband's, I believe."
"Do you? Does one generally make a friend of one's doctor?"
"The man was certainly credited with being your friend. And more, he talked openly of his love for you."
"What bad taste! I don't see how you can hold me responsible. He did love me, I believe--at least, he pestered me with attentions. It's a mercy he has gone to Si--I mean to Russia. I hope he'll stay there, and be eaten up by white bears like those poor brats Elisha was so spiteful to. As to marrying"--her eyes twinkled--"it won't be easy to replace poor Jim. He was such a good husband."