Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 1 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/280

 you that there necessarily can be nothing but disappointment in store for the infatuated youth who loses his heart to her?"

The Cavaliere hesitated. "He had better," he said in a moment, "go and pursue his studies in Florence. There are very fine antiques in the Uffizi."

Rowland presently joined Mrs. Light, toward whom her noble companion had not yet retraced his restless steps. "That's right," she said; "sit down here; I 've something serious to say to you. I 'm going to talk to you as a friend. I want your assistance. In fact, you must help me; it 's your duty. Look at that unhappy young man."

"Yes, he seems unhappy."

"He's just come of age, he bears one of the greatest names in Italy, and owns one of the greatest properties, and he's pining away with love for my daughter."

"So the Cavaliere tells me."

"It 's none of the Cavaliere's business," said Mrs. Light sharply. "Such information should come from me. The Prince is pining, as I say; he 's consumed, he takes it very hard. It 's a real Italian passion: I know what that means!" And she rolled an eye which seemed to commune with the vividness of her own annals. "Meanwhile, if you please, my daughter 's hiding in the woods with your dear friend Mr. Hudson. I could cry with rage."

"If things are as bad as that," said Rowland, "it seems to me that you should find nothing easier than to despatch the Cavaliere to bring the guilty couple back."

"Never in the world! My hands are tied. Do you 246