Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/205

THE AMERICAN "Good-bye then." And she put out her hand.

He held it a moment as if to say more. But he only looked at her—"long, long"; then he took his departure.

That evening, on the Boulevard, he met Valentin de Bellegarde. After they had exchanged greetings he told him he had seen his sister a few hours before.

"I know it, pardieu! said Valentin. I dined là-bas." With which, for some moments, both men were silent. Newman wished to ask what visible impression his visit had made, but the Count had a question of his own and he ended by speaking first. "It's none of my business, but what the deuce did you say to Claire?"

"I'm quite willing to tell you I made her an offer of marriage."

"Already!" And the young man gave a whistle. Time is money!' Is that what you say in America? And my sister—?" he discreetly added.

"She did n't close with me."

"She could n't, you know, in that way."

"But I'm to see her again," said Newman.

"Oh, the strangeness of ces dames!" Then he stopped and held Newman off at arm's length. "I look at you with respect! You've achieved what we call a personal success! Immediately, now, I must present you to my brother."

"Whenever you like!" said Newman.