Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 1 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/446

 The Cavaliere stood a moment in deep gloom. "I always believe in Mrs. Light's ideas. It 's a magnificent marriage. The girl should be reasonable."

"Ah," Rowland sighed, "if you 've a way to make her that—!"

"It will make her either that—"

"Or it will dish you altogether?" Rowland asked as he hesitated.

The old man's face probed a moment the consciousness from which this question had sprung. "Pray for her, dear sir," he at last simply said.

"I 'll pray for you, Cavaliere," Rowland answered as he went.

He had become aware of Mrs. Light's renewed approach and he slipped straight away. Yes, it was after this some providential support to her vague coadjutor that he found himself most invoking.