Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/226

THE AMERICAN Madame de Cintré. And she bent over and kissed the old lady.

"I don't like violent surprises, my sister," said Urbain de Bellegarde; "especially when one's on the point of entering a drawing-room."

Newman at this juncture felt inspired to speak. "Oh, if you're going anywhere with this lady you need n't be afraid of being noticed yourself!"

M. de Bellegarde turned to his sister with an intense little glare. "I hope you appreciate a compliment that's paid at your brother's expense. Venez donc, madame." And offering Madame de Cintré his arm he led her rapidly out of the room. Valentin rendered the same service to young Madame de Bellegarde, who had apparently been reflecting on the fact that the ball-dress of her sister-in-law was much less brilliant than her own, and yet had failed to derive absolute comfort from the reflexion. With a leave-taking smile she sought the complement of her consolation in the eyes of the American visitor, and, perceiving in them an almost unnatural glitter, not improbably may have flattered herself she had found it.

Newman, left alone with his hostess, if she might so be called, stood before her a few moments in silence. "Your daughter's very beautiful," he said at last.

"She's very perverse," the old woman returned.

"I'm glad to hear it," he smiled. "It makes me hope."

"Hope what?"

"That she'll consent some day to marry me." 196