Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 1 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/308

 for Roderick to complete the circle of his metamorphoses, but he had no desire to officiate as chorus to the play.

"You think I 've the 'cheek' of the devil himself," the latter said at last, "coming up to moralise at this hour of the night! You think I want to throw dust into your eyes, to put you off the scent. That 's your eminently rational view of the case."

"Pardon my not taking any view at all," said Rowland.

"You 've given me up then?"

"No, I 've merely suspended judgement. I 'm waiting."

Roderick looked at him a moment. "What are you waiting for?"

Rowland made an angry gesture. "Oh miserable, oh merciless youth! When you 've hit your mark and made people care for you, you should n't twist your weapon about at that rate in their vitals. Allow me to say I 'm sleepy. Good-night!"