contorted into a grimace of hideous imbecility.

"Monsieur," said he, assuming his natural expression which was one of
pensive melancholy, "let us change the conversation. You are a great
statesman. Will you kindly let me know your opinion on the foreign
policy of Germany?"

Whereupon he sat down again upon his stool and regarded me with earnest
attention.

"Germany," said I, with the solemnity of a Sir Oracle in the
smoking-room of one of the political clubs, "has dreams of an empire
beyond her frontiers, and with a view to converting the dream into a
reality, is turning out battleships nineteen to the dozen."

The Professor nodded his head sagaciously, and looked up at Lola.

"Very profound," said he, "very profound. I shall remember it. I am
a Greek, Monsieur, and the Greeks, as you know, are a nation of
diplomatists."

"Ever since the days of Xenophon," said I.

"You're both too clever for me," exclaimed our hostess. "Where did you
get your knowledge from, Anastasius?"

The Professor, flattered, passed his hand over his bulgy forehead.

"I was a great student in my youth," said he. "Once I could tell you all
the kings of Rome and the date of the battle of Actium. But pressure of
weightier concerns has driven my erudition from me. Pardon me. I have
not yet asked after your health. You are looking sad and troubled. What
is the matter?"

He sat bolt upright, fingering his imperial and regarding her with the
keen solicitude of a family physician. To my amazement, Lola Brandt told
him quite simply:

"I am thinking of living with my husband again."

"Has the traitor been annoying you?" he asked with a touch of
fierceness.

"Oh, no! It's my own idea. I'm tired of living alone. I don't even know
where he is."

"Do you want to know where he is?"

"How can I communicate with him unless I do?"

Anastasius Papadopoulos rose, struck an attitude, and thumped his
breast.

"I will seek him for you at the ends of the earth, and will bring him to
prostrate himself at your feet."

"That's very kind of you, Anastasius," said Lola gently; "but what will
become of your cats?"

The dwarf raised his hand impressively.

"The Almighty will have them in His keeping. I have also my pupil and
assistant, Quast."

Lola smiled indulgently from her cushions, showing her curious even
teeth.

"You mustn't do anything so mad, Anastasius, I forbid you."

"Madame," said he in a most stately manner, "when I devote myself,