That was the last they saw of Svengali.
Then they were taken to another door, and Monsieur J—— came out, and Taffy explained who they were, and they were admitted.
La Svengali was there, sitting in an arm-chair by the fire, with several of the band standing round gesticulating, and talking German or Polish or Yiddish. Gecko, on his knees, was alternately chafing her hands and feet. She seemed quite dazed.
But at the sight of Taffy she jumped up and rushed at him, saying: "Oh, Taffy dear—oh, Taffy! what's it all about? Where on earth am I? What an age since we met?"
Then she caught sight of the Laird, and kissed him; and then she recognized Little Billee.
She looked at him for a long while in great surprise, and then shook hands with him.
"How pale you are! and so changed—you've got a
