Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 1 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/247

 the difference is that I can have them when I wish to (and very charming ones too; I 'll show you some day); whereas Mr. Hudson will never, never, never arrive—and thank God after all—at the least little tenue. For somehow one sees he 's a gentleman. He seems to have something urging, driving, pushing him, making him restless and defiant. You see it in his eyes. They're the finest, by the way, I ever saw. When a person has such eyes you forgive him his bad manners. I suppose they represent what 's called the sacred fire."

Rowland made no answer except to ask her in a moment if she would have another roll. She merely shook her head and went on—

"Tell me how you found him. Where was he—how was he?"

"He was in a place called Northampton Mass. Did you ever hear of it? He was studying law. I don't say he was learning it."

"It appears it was something horrible, eh?"

"Something horrible?"

"This little village. No society, no pleasures, no beauty, no interest."

"You've received a false impression. Northampton is n't so gay as Rome, but Roderick had some charming friends."

"Tell me all about them. Who were his charming friends?"

"Well, there was my cousin, through whom I made his acquaintance—a delightful woman."

"Young—pretty?"

"Yes, a good deal of both. And very clever." 213