"Your breathing tells me otherwise. I am certain, madame, that your pulse beats regularly, and that your nerves are entirely in order."
"Is this a consultation?" she asked coolly.
"It is the farewell of two who loved," murmured the hard, thick voice, muffled by the blankets. "That is, madame, of one who loved and of one who did not; and therein, as M. Heine truly remarks, lies the tragedy of existence."
"Demetrius--Constantine." Leah felt that she must come to the point and get rapidly through the interview, if only to escape from the sickening atmosphere. "Katinka accuses me of betraying you."
"Well, madame?"
"I did not. I swear I did not."
"Indeed? Mademoiselle Aksakoff is doubtless mistaken."
"In a way. She wishes to save her father from blame."
"As a good daughter should. Will you explain further, madame?"
"Certainly. I came, of my own free will, to explain. Katinka told me how ill you were, and I could not bear to think you should die believing me to be dishonourable."