'Really, he's inhuman,' exclaimed Julia impatiently. 'He's an anomaly in this juvenile century,' Dick agreed. 'He's an ancient Roman who buys his clothes in Savile Row.' 'Then he's very much in the way in England, and it's much better that he should go back to Africa.' 'I suppose it is. Here he reminds one of an eagle caged with a colony of canaries.' Julia looked at her husband reflectively. 'I think you're the only friend who has stuck to him,' she said. 'I wouldn't put it in that way. After all, I'm the only friend he ever had. It was not unnatural that a number of acquaintances should drop him when he got into hot water.' 'It must have been a great help to find someone who believed in him notwithstanding everything.' 'I'm afraid it sounds very immoral, but whatever his crimes were, I should never like Alec less. You see, he's been so awfully good and kind to me, I can look on with fortitude while he plays football with the Ten Commandments.' Julia's emotions were always sudden, and the tears came to her eyes as she answered. 'I'm really beginning to think you a perfect angel, Dick.' 'Don't say that,' he retorted quickly. 'It makes me feel so middle-aged. I'd much sooner be a young sinner than an elderly cherub.' Smiling, she stretched out her hand, and he held it for a moment. 'You know, though I can't help liking you, I don't in the least approve of you.' 'Good heavens, why not?' he cried. 'Well, I was brought up to believe that a man should work, and you're disgracefully idle.' 'Good heavens, to marry an American wife is the most arduous profession in the world,' he cried. 'One has to combine the energy of the Universal Provider with the patience of an ambassador at the Sublime Porte.' 'You foolish creature,' she laughed. But her thoughts immediately reverted to Lucy. Her pallid, melancholy face still lingered in Julia's memory, and her heart was touched by the hopeless woe that dwelt in her beautiful eyes. 'I suppose there's no doubt that those stories about Alec MacKenzie were true?' she said, thoughtfully. Dick gave her a quick glance. He wondered what was in her mind.