Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 1 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/42

 and passionate about a hospital or a dormitory. Do you know I sometimes think that I 'm a man of genius half-finished? The genius has been left out, the faculty of expression is wanting; but the need for expression remains, and I spend my days groping for the latch of a closed door."

"What an immense number of words," said Cecilia after a pause, "to say you want to fall in love! I've no doubt you've as good a genius for that as any one if you would only trust it a little more."

"Of course I 've thought of that, and I assure you I hold myself ready. But evidently I 'm not inflammable. Is there in Northampton by chance some perfect epitome of the graces?"

"Of the graces?" said Cecilia, raising her eyebrows and suppressing too distinct a consciousness of being herself a finished embodiment of several.

"The household virtues, in all their rigour, are better represented. There are some excellent young women, and there are two or three very pretty girls. I'll have them all here to tea, one by one, if you like."

"I should particularly like it; especially as I should give you a chance to see by the profundity of my attention that if I'm not happy it 's not for want of taking pains."

Cecilia was silent a little; and then, "On the whole," she resumed, "I don't think there are any worth putting you in possible suspense about. You've seen as good samples as we can show you."

"Are you very, very sure?" asked the young man, rising and throwing away his cigar-end.

"Upon my word." cried Cecilia, "one would 8