"But so dull," objected Lady Jim. "Why is it good women are always dull and dowdy?" "They are getting ready for the next world," mumbled Lady Canvey, solemnly. "Their outfit can't cost much, then," declared Leah, flippantly; "but aren't we going to talk business? Think of that poor French, sitting in the motor-car all this time." "You're sorry for him, I'm sure," said the old woman, ironically. "Horribly," replied Lady Jim, calmly; "but at least the poor creature is cooler than I am. This room is stifling." "Don't call your fellow-sinner a creature, Leah." "Ah! Even had I not seen Lionel I could guess he had been with you, godmother. He loves the dirty and disreputable." "And you love the rich and disreputable." "That obvious speech is hardly worthy of your reputation," was Lady Jim's reply. Then she crossed her legs, rested her muff on her knee, and protested, "I can't wait here much longer----" "On account of French?" "No; but I'm going to dine at the Cecil to-night, with a boy in the Lancers. He's a nice boy." "And a rich boy?" "Of course! I don't like boys without money. But this business," she went on hurriedly. "Jim and I are in a hole." "You ought to be in gaol," was the angry reply. "That _would_ be a hole," said Leah, good-humouredly; "but you don't want to see Jim and me in the bankruptcy court." "Why should I bother? It's nothing to do with me!" "I'm your god-daughter." "You're a heartless cat," said Lady Canvey, angrily, and with her eyes scintillating like jewels. "It's no use, Leah. I've helped you and that rascal Jim over and over again. Apply to the Duke." "Oh, we've done that. He won't give us a penny." "Then ask some of those nice boys you talk of." Lady Jim sat very upright in her chair, and a becoming colour heightened her beauty. "I don't ask any men for money," she declared; "you know perfectly well, Lady Canvey, that I am any honest woman." "And how dull that sounds," chuckled Lady Canvey, turning the tables; "you should be more original, Leah." "I don't mind going out to dinner with a man," cried Lady Jim, feeling herself much aggrieved, "nor do I mind a box at the theatre, or some gloves or things of that sort, so long as Jim doesn't object.' "Pooh! Much you care for Jim." "I do. Jim's got a temper. He told me this very morning he'd screw my neck if I broke loose." "Then I respect him for saying it," said Lady Canvey, energetically; "and I'd respect him still more if he did it." "That's what I said to him," retorted Leah, grimly. "All the same, I am straight enough. No one can say a word against me." "I'm glad to hear it. You have your good points, Leah," observed Lady Canvey, in a more kindly tone; "but you show your worst side to the world. Why not turn over a new leaf?" "I'm just about to do so, and there's bankruptcy on the other side, unless you help us, dear godmother," she ended coaxingly.