"That is very interesting," he observed, as if he had never seen Sarakoff before. "A germ that is going to keep us all young. It reminds me of the Arabian Nights. I should like to see it." "You've seen it already," replied Sarakoff, imperturbably. Lord Alberan's cold eyes looked steadily before him. His mouth tightened. "Really?" "You saw it at Charing Cross Station the night before last." "At Charing Cross Station?" I tried to signal to the Russian, but he seemed determined to proceed. "Yes--you thought I was an anarchist. You saw the contents of my bag. Six tubes containing a blue-coloured gelatine. Perhaps, Lord Alberan, you remember now." "I remember perfectly," he exclaimed, smiling slightly. "Yes, I regret my mistake. One has to be careful." "Did you think my Alexis was an anarchist?" cried Leonora. "You are the stupidest of Englishmen." It was obvious that Alberan did not like this. He glanced at a thin gold watch that he carried in his waistcoat pocket. "I will not interrupt you any longer," he remarked gravely. "You are quite occupied, I see, and I much apologize for intruding." "Don't be still more stupid," she said lazily. "Sit down. Tell me how you like the idea of never dying." "I am afraid I cannot entertain the idea seriously." He hesitated and then looked firmly at Sarakoff. "Do I understand, sir, that you have actually put some germ into the Birmingham water-supply?" The Russian nodded. "You'll hear about it in a day or two," he said quietly. "You had permission to do this?" "No, I had no permission." "Are you aware that you are making a very extraordinary statement, sir?" "Perfectly." Lord Alberan became very red. The lower part of his face seemed to expand. His eyes protruded. "Don't gobble," said Leonora. "Gobble?" stuttered Alberan, turning upon her. "How dare you say I gobble?" "But you are gobbling." "I refuse to stay here another moment. I will leave immediately. As for you, sir, you shall hear from me in course of time. To-morrow I am compelled to go abroad again, but when I return I shall institute a vigorous and detailed enquiry into your movements, which are highly suspicious, sir,--highly suspicious." He moved to the door and then turned. "Mademoiselle, I wish you good-night." He bowed stiffly and went out. "Thank heaven, I've got rid of him for good," murmured Leonora. "He proposed to me last week, Alexis." "And what did you say?" asked Sarakoff. "I said I would see, but things are different now." She turned her eyes straight in his direction. "That is, if you have told me the truth, Alexis. Oh, isn't it wonderful!" She jumped up and threw out her arms. "Suppose that it all comes true, Alexis! Immortality--always to be young and beautiful!" "It will come true," he said. She lowered her arms slowly and looked at him. "I wonder how long love will last?" CHAPTER VIII THE BLUE DISEASE