"Are such that I did not wish to see you," she retorted, finishing his sentences for him as usual, after her old fashion. "I feel so scratchy that I declined your visit out of sheer pity. But you would insist, so don't blame me if I am disagreeable."

"You can never be disagreeable," said Askew, soothingly.

"Can't I? You wait ten minutes and see."

"I think I had better go, Lady Jim."

"For your own sake, I think you had. Good-bye."

Askew still kept his seat. "I only wish to say that I am very--very sorry for your terrible loss."

"Lady Frith's terrible loss, you mean. Go and see her, if you want to play the hired mourner."

"Ah, poor Lady Frith----"

"Now don't begin about her," snapped Leah, viciously.

"But you must be sorry----"