But all this time the sword dangled over Leah's head, and its menace became so insupportable that she wished the single hair would give way, to decide brusquely for hit or miss. Her desire was gratified on the very night when she made her curtsey to the Sovereigns. Having created an immense impression, the Duchess, with eyes as radiant as the family diamonds crowning her imperial head, returned at midnight to her home in the company of a purring husband. Jim really felt that Leah had upheld the family name with her insolent beauty, and moreover, was quite the grandest-looking woman in London, or out of it. When they arrived in their own drawing-room, and she had emerged a royal court butterfly from the chrysalis of her cloak, he turned abruptly and took her in his arms with the hug of a bear. "Leah," he murmured hoarsely--"oh, Leah!" and kissed her fair on the mouth with the kiss of Pan. But only once did he exercise that connubial privilege, for she released herself roughly with a sense of intolerable outrage. "Isn't it rather late in the day?" she asked, scornful and angry. "'Pon my word, Leah, I'd be a good husband to you if you would only let me." "Oh, as an over-married Turk I am sure you would be admirable. I know you disapprove of monogamy." "What the deuce is that?" "Something that the Church encourages and society shirks. The Sandal woman can explain the objection." Jim winced at her knowledge of his latest love. "You said that I belonged to you," he reminded her sulkily. "Officially. May I ask the reason for this sudden devotion?" "You look so rippin'." "Thanks for the belated compliment. I am aware that your love is dependent upon the eye." "An' what else should it be dependent upon?" "The heart may have something to do with it, you know--or rather, you do not know. Since our conversation when I asked you to buy a yacht I have given up trying to educate you in the affections." "I'll buy a yacht now--a dozen yachts, to please you." "Oh," said the Duchess, with a cold smile; "so that Epsom-Newmarket woman has been nasty." Jim uttered a bad word under his breath, and flung out of the room in a pet. "I'll play at the club till all's blue," he called out while banging the door, and a minute later she heard the butler whistle for a hansom. The deserted wife was perfectly aware that Jim's sudden admiration arose from pride of proprietorship, and objected to be cajoled into righteous matrimonial principles on such terms. As it was scarcely one o'clock she seated herself to consider if it would be worth while to lift her uxorious pig out of the mire he loved. A footman with a salver interrupted these creditable meditations. "A lady called twice to see your Grace this evening," said the man, presenting a visiting-card, "and has now called again." The Duchess lifted her eyebrows as she lifted the card. "At this hour?" "The lady says her business is important, your Grace."