Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 1 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/253

 "A man does n't gossip about such a matter with strangers," Roderick rejoined; and the ring of irritation was in his voice.

"With strangers—no!" said Rowland, smiling. Roderick continued his work; but, after a moment, turning round with a frown, "If you supposed I had a reason for being silent, pray why should you have spoken?" he demanded.

"I did n't speak idly, my dear man. I weighed the matter first, and promised myself to let you know immediately afterwards. It seemed to me Miss Light had better have it in her head that your faith and honour are pledged."

"The Cavaliere then has put it into yours that I'm making love to her?"

"No; in that case I should n't have spoken to her first."

"Do you mean then that she 's making love to me?"

"This is what I mean," said Rowland after a pause. "She finds you fitfully but unmistakeably interesting, and she 's pleased, even though she may feign indifference, at your finding her more continuously so. I said to myself that it might save her some little waste of imagination to know without delay that you 're not at liberty to become indefinitely interested in other women."

"You seem to have taken the measure of my liberty with extraordinary minuteness," Roderick observed.

"You must do me justice then. I 'm the cause of your separation from Miss Garland, the cause of 219