Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/225

THE AMERICAN my brother," said M. de Bellegarde in French. "This is not the way—!"

"I refer her to the whole company!" Valentin broke in. "Here she comes!"—and he went to the open door, met Madame de Cintré on the threshold, took her by the hand and led her into the room. She was dressed in white, but a cloak of dark blue, which hung almost to her feet, was fastened across her shoulders by a silver clasp. She had tossed it back, however, and her long white arms were uncovered. In her dense fair hair there glittered a dozen diamonds. She looked serious and, Newman thought, rather pale; but she glanced round her and, when she saw him, smiled and put out her hand. He thought her at this moment far and away the handsomest woman he had ever seen. He had a chance to look her full in the face, for she stood a little in the centre of the room, where she seemed to consider what she should do, without meeting his eyes. Then she went up to her mother, who sat in the deep chair by the fire with an air of immeasurable detachment. Her back turned to the others, Madame de Cintré held her cloak apart to show her dress.

"What do you think of me?"

"I think you seem to have lost your head. It was but three days ago, when I asked you as a particular favour to myself to go to the Duchesse de Lusignan's, that you told me you were going nowhere and that one must be consistent. Is this your consistency? Why should you distinguish Madame Robineau? Who is it you wish to please to-night?"

"I wish to please myself, dear mother," said 195