A dangerous pause ensued, while Leah wondered what was about to happen. The man assuredly was Demetrius, and Demetrius was assuredly extremely ill. It was within the bounds of possibility that he might spring up and kill her. The thought did not trouble her overmuch. So dangerous a business had to be faced undauntedly, and she kept down her womanly weakness with masculine strength. During those slow minutes she could hear the lapping of the waters, on which the vessel rocked; hear also the laboured breathing of the sick man. This stopped for a moment, and then did she hear her own easy breaths. Demetrius evidently heard them also, and had paused to listen. He laughed weakly, softly, clucking like a fowl. "Madame is very brave." "I'm frightened to death," she assured him, to excite his pity. "Your breathing tells me otherwise. I am certain, madame, that your pulse beats regularly, and that your nerves are entirely in order." "Is this a consultation?" she asked coolly. "It is the farewell of two who loved," murmured the hard, thick voice, muffled by the blankets. "That is, madame, of one who loved and of one who did not; and therein, as M. Heine truly remarks, lies the tragedy of existence." "Demetrius--Constantine." Leah felt that she must come to the point and get rapidly through the interview, if only to escape from the sickening atmosphere. "Katinka accuses me of betraying you." "Well, madame?" "I did not. I swear I did not." "Indeed? Mademoiselle Aksakoff is doubtless mistaken." "In a way. She wishes to save her father from blame." "As a good daughter should. Will you explain further, madame?" "Certainly. I came, of my own free will, to explain. Katinka told me how ill you were, and I could not bear to think you should die believing me to be dishonourable." "Madame speaks hopefully of my dying. It would please her, perhaps?" "No. What do you take me for? I never loved you as you wished to be loved; but if M. Aksakoff had not interfered, and we had married, I should have come to love you." "You speak of what might have been." "I suppose so. Circumstances are altered. Marriage is out of the question." "Assuredly, and I am scarcely fit for a bridegroom." "What is the matter with you?" asked Leah, anxiously. Demetrius passed over the question. "Besides, Captain Strange informed me that your husband has returned. Madame was doubtless pleased at that marvellous resurrection, so cleverly managed." "No," said Leah, honestly enough. "I was not; but circumstances made it imperative that Jim should return." "And for me to travel in Siberia?" "Blame M. Aksakoff, blame M. Aksakoff," she insisted. "I am innocent." "Be pleased to observe, madame, that as yet I have brought no accusation against you." "Katinka acted as your mouthpiece." "You have not my authority to say that." "Then I gather that you do not blame me for your exile?" "How can I with any truth, madame, seeing that yon accuse M. Aksakoff?"