Lady Jim rubbed the kiss from her hand with vehemence, and flew to the window, where she watched as eagerly as Sister Anne on Bluebeard's castle-top. The dapper little figure emerged from the grand portal, and strutted victoriously down the street. Leah nodded complacently. He was now in the toils, and, moreover, was voluntarily binding himself in bonds. All the better; there could be no compunction on her part in betraying such a heedless fool. If he would insist upon letting his jealous heart govern his usually wise head, it was impolitic to prevent him. With sudden thankfulness Lady Jim fished out of her pocket a ruffled peacock's feather. "My luck holds--it holds," said she, kissing the fetish; "you always bring me luck--dear--dear," and she kissed again. This religious ceremony ended, the fortunate lady looked again at the clock. It was five minutes past one. Sitting down at a side-table she wrote a note, sealed it, and delivered it to an obsequious waiter, with directions for its delivery at the Russian Embassy. "And lay two extra places at luncheon," she ordered; "two gentlemen are coming." In this way M. Aksakoff had the unexpected pleasure of partaking of Lady Jim's hospitality. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHAPTER XXIV Alone and punctual, hungry for mid-day victuals, and eager to impart newly acquired knowledge, Miss Tallentire returned from studying the Luxor Obelisk. Her coming upon the hour and solitary state were noted, but a second-hand rendering of hieroglyphic lore could be dispensed with by a lady entertaining a more modern-minded guest. Aksakoff, with a notable sparkle in his eyes--begotten by confidential conversation with his hostess--rose to welcome the fair interrupter. International courtesies were exchanged, while Leah, glancing impatiently at the clock, waited for their conclusion to slip in a question or so. "Where is Mr. Askew? Why did he not bring you back?" "He did, Lady James, as far as the lift. He is now writing a letter in the smoking-room." "And so will forget that I asked him to luncheon. Please remind him, dear; or, better, tell the waiter to bring him up. M. Demetrius is coming also." "Dr. Demetrius!" Joan paused in her exit. "I did not know that he was in Paris, Lady James." "Nor did I until an hour ago. Don't lose time, dear. Mr. Askew may go, and I particularly wish him to stay." Lady Jim ushered the girl out hurriedly, judiciously saw to the Lady Jim ushered the girl out hurriedly, and judiciously saw to the closing of the door, before turning to meet Aksakoff's inquiring gaze. "You approve of a full table, madame?" "There is safety in numbers," she assured him. "For M. Demetrius?" Leah resumed her seat with raised eyebrows. "I fear you will think me dull, M. Aksakoff, but I do not understand."