Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 1 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/536

 Is n't it very plain? If you 've the energy to desire you 've also the energy to reason and to judge. If you can care to go you can also care to stay, and, staying being the more profitable course, the inspiration, on that side, for a man who has his self-confidence to win back again, should be greater."

Roderick plainly failed to relish this lesson, and his face darkened as he listened to its echo. "I think, my dear man, you 're making a mistake."

Well, Rowland would at least drive his mistake home. "Do you believe that hanging about the Princess, on such terms, will do you any good? Do you believe it won't? In either case you should keep away from her. If it won't, it 's your duty; and if it will, you can get on without it."

"Do me good?" cried Roderick. "What do I want of 'good'—what should I do with 'good'? I want what she gives me, call it by what name you will. I want to ask no questions, but to take what comes and let it fill the impossible hours! But I did n't come to you to discuss the matter."

"I 've not the least desire to discuss it," said Rowland. "I simply protest."

Roderick meditated a moment. "I 've never yet thought twice about accepting any favour of you, but this one sticks in my throat."

"It 's not a favour. I lend you the money only under compulsion."

"Well, then, I 'll take it only under compulsion!" And, springing to his feet, Roderick marched away.

His words were ambiguous; Rowland lay on the grass wondering what they meant. Half an hour had 502