Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/113

 better than sitting in a little dark damp room on a court or than selling buttons and whalebones over a counter."

"Of course it's much more amusing," said Newman. "But for a poor girl is n't it rather an expensive amusement?"

"Oh, I'm very wrong; there's no doubt about that," she answered. "But rather than earn my living as some girls do—toiling with a needle in little black holes out of the world—I 'd throw myself into the Seine."

"There's no need of that," he presently observed. "Your father must have mentioned to you the reason of my offer?"

"The reason—?"

"He wants you to marry, and I told him I 'd give you a chance to earn your dot."

"He told me all about it, and you see the account I make of it! Why should you take such an interest in my marriage?"

"My interest was in your father. I hold to my engagement. Do what you can, and I'll buy what you do."

She stood some time in thought, her eyes on the ground. At last looking up, "What sort of a husband can you get for twelve thousand francs?" she asked.

"Your father tells me he knows some very good young men."

"Grocers and butchers and little maîtres de cafés? I won't marry at all if I can't marry more proprement than that." 83