Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 1 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/545

 "Because of your engagement."

"But you 've done your best to keep that up."

"That's another matter!"

"It's very wonderful," Roderick presently continued. "It 's like something in a bad novel."

"We need n't expatiate on it," said Rowland. "All I wished to do was to rebut your charge that I 've enjoyed any special immunity."

But still his friend pondered. "All these months, while I was going my way! I wish you had some time mentioned it."

"I acted as was necessary, and that 's the end of the matter."

"You 've a very high opinion of her?"

"The highest."

"I remember now your occasionally expressing it and my being struck with it. But I never dreamed you were in love with her. It 's a pity," Roderick added, "that she does n't care for you."

Rowland had made his point and had no wish to prolong the conversation; but he would have liked to hear more of this, and he remained silent.

"You hope, I suppose, that she may some day be moved?" Roderick enquired.

"I should n't have offered to say so; but since you ask me, I do."

"Well, I don't believe it, you know. She idolises me, and if she never were to see me again she would idolise my memory."

This might be vivid insight and it might be deep fatuity. Rowland turned away; he could n't trust himself to speak. 511