conspire, if not against a throne, at least for the cheating of a limited company. The luncheon was thus pleasant, and not less so the digestive hour, when the repleted guests assembled in the sitting-room. Anxious to afford the diplomatist every assistance, Lady Jim gathered the young people under her wing near the piano at the far end of the apartment. Joan, who had more of a soul than a memory for music, played scraps, chatting to right and left while her nimble fingers ran from Mozart to Chopin and attempted what their owner remembered of Wagner's creations. Thus the Muscovites, smoking by special permission, were enabled to exchange views in comparative privacy. To assure complete secrecy, and with the hole-and-corner instinct of the Slav, they talked Russian with a bluntness strangely opposed to Lady Jim's elusive suggestiveness. The situation--to Demetrius, at least--did not admit of sugared phrases or ambiguous explanations. "Madame yonder"--he nodded towards Leah--"told you why I desired this interview." "Yes!"--Aksakoff handled his cigarette daintily--"but an explanation from you is necessary." Demetrius nodded brusquely. "I must mention the name of your daughter." "Without doubt, since her welfare is the main object of our meeting." "Mademoiselle Aksakoff," said Demetrius, coldly, "has done me the honour to admire me. But that my affections are already engaged, I should certainly reciprocate." "You allude to Mademoiselle Ninette?" A look of surprise flitted across the other's face. "The actress? Why should you think so?" "Rumour credits you with being her lover." "And, as usual, rumour is wrong. Mademoiselle Ninette was assuredly my patient, but I received my fees in gold, not in kisses. As poor Dr. Demetrius I I cannot live on love, Ivan Aksakoff." "Prince Constantine will be able to do so with the lady he mentions." "I mentioned no lady." "Ah, pardon!" Aksakoff was foiled. "You accept my apology?" "None is needed. I intended to tell you the name of the lady, Ivan Aksakoff; it is madame yonder." With uplifted eyebrows the diplomatist glanced in the direction of Leah. "I heard something in London clubs of your admiration for her, Constantine Demetrius; even before her husband died it was said that you had laid yourself at her feet. What a pity you cannot marry her! An ideal match, my friend; quite ideal, and so useful in promoting a social understanding between Holy Russia and these islanders." "We marry in a year," announced the doctor, calmly. "Ah, no; but pardon me, it is impossible!" Aksakoff, really and truly startled, dropped his cigarette. That haughty Lady James Kaimes should---- "It is quite impossible," said he, staring. "I refer you to the lady herself," insisted Demetrius.