Lord Jim did not like this banter, and said so in a few forcible words. Then he moved to the door, casting a disgusted look at a pile of bills on Leah's side of the table. "What about this truck?" "Oh, we'll pay them out of your insurance," laughed Lady Jim. "Not much. I'm not going to disappear and give up everything for the benefit of a lot of measly tradesmen." "I wish you wouldn't dangle grapes out of my reach," said his wife, pettishly; "you know it's not to be done." Jim plunged forward, and, gathering up the mass of papers, threw them into the fire. "Pay them in this way, then," said he, enraged. "I wish I could," sighed Leah, wearily, and looked at herself in the mirror. "Do stop worrying me, Jim. I'm getting to look quite old. Are you going out?" "Yes. We've wasted an hour in talking about nothing. We're on the rocks, I tell you." "And so," said Lady Jim, calmly, "you end where you began." Jim looked up to heaven. "And this is a wife!" said he, plaintively. "And this," she mocked, laying her hand on his shoulder, "is a probable bankrupt!" "Not me. I'll clear out first to South America." "Leave the insurance money to me, Jim," called Leah, as he banged the door. "Twenty thousand pounds," she soliloquised--"it's worth trying for. But I might as well cry for the moon"; and she sighed, the sigh of selfishness, unexpectedly thwarted. CHAPTER II Lord And Lady Jim Kaimes were regarded as a most agreeable couple, and utilised this reputation to live on their friends. The husband was an admirable shot, a daring and judicious polo-player, and his skill at cards was as notable as his dexterity in golfing. Consequently, he was much in request, and benefited largely in free board and lodging. He was good-looking, which pleased the women, and good-natured, which satisfied the men. In wrestling and boxing Jim could more than hold his own, and always paid his gambling debts, even at the cost of allowing tradesmen to threaten legal proceedings. Thus, according to modern ideas, he was an honourable man and a good all-round sportsman, a credit to the British aristocracy and a pleasure to his numerous friends. "These be thy gods, O Israel!" A clergyman once preached on this text in Jim's accidental hearing, but Jim did not know what he meant.