Aksakoff shrugged his shoulders. "For the clearing up of misunderstandings. You are anxious--so you say--that Demetrius should cure your husband. My reason for this conversation is, to apologise for my intention to rob you of his very valuable services. If I can trap Demetrius--say in Paris--Lord James must content himself with an inferior doctor." Leah looked pensive and puzzled. "I comprehend; but why should you make use of the wrong word?" "Misunderstanding?" Then, when she nodded, "My ignorance of your language----" "Or of my feelings? By this talk of Parisian traps and Siberian punishment, you assume that I am acquainted with the private affairs of M. Demetrius." "It is possible that I have made that mistake," said Aksakoff, dryly. "As a diplomatist you should never confess as much. It might be that I may take advantage of your--mistake, to inform M. Demetrius of his danger." "I foresaw that possibility, madame. As a dutiful wife, you naturally wish to keep so clever a doctor in attendance on your husband." "Of course; but a trip to Siberia would not improve Jim's health." "There is no need for the mountain to go to Mahomet, madame." "Pardon me if in this case I think otherwise." Aksakoff shrugged again. "I admit the reason, seeing that this particular mountain is married." "These parables are a trifle wearisome, M. Aksakoff. The air is chilly, and I wish to return to Lady Richardson. Would you mind telling me plainly, before we part, why you sought this interview?" "Assuredly, madame. My daughter loves this man, who does not love her, and who, by reason of his crime and opinions, is not an eligible husband. You were with Katinka this afternoon, as you informed me, and she is now so cheerful that I suspect you must have delivered some message from Demetrius to so raise her spirits. Or it might be"--he looked squarely at her, as he added, "that Demetrius is in Monte Carlo." "No; your daughter had a letter from him, in which he stated that he was leaving Madeira for Jamaica. Go on, please." "Katinka had a letter?" said Aksakoff, with an unpleasant look. "That, no doubt, accounts for her spirits. Were you Cupid's messenger, madame?" Lady Jim smothered a laugh. "No; though I admit that I should like to see her happy." "She will never be happy with a man who does not love her. Demetrius will not come near me, and I cannot explain. Will you oblige me by taking a message?" "Why should I?" "For the sake of retaining him as Lord James's medical attendant." Leah nodded. "As a wife, I will take your message. What is it?" "Tell Demetrius that if he will give Katinka to understand that he will never marry her my gratitude will be stronger than my duty." "In other words, you will not arrest him." "So long as he remains in England."