"Be pleased to observe, madame, that as yet I have brought no accusation against you."
"Katinka acted as your mouthpiece."
"You have not my authority to say that."
"Then I gather that you do not blame me for your exile?"
"How can I with any truth, madame, seeing that yon accuse M. Aksakoff?"
"I do," said Leah, resolutely.
"In that case I regret that Mademoiselle struck the wrong person."
"You know that she struck me?"
"I was informed of it this morning, and express my regret that she acted so foolishly. Did the blow hurt you?"
"It was most painful. I feel it still."