Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/260

THE AMERICAN I take my amusement wherever I find it. I don't pout at the Empire; here all the world pouts at the Empire. Of course I've to mind what I say, but I expect to take my revenge with you." The little lady discoursed for some time longer in this sympathetic strain, with an eager abundance indicating that her opportunities for revealing her esoteric philosophy were indeed rare. She hoped Newman would never be afraid of her, however he might be with the others, for really she went very far indeed. "Strong people"—les gens forts—were in her opinion equal all the world over. Newman listened to her with an attention at once beguiled and irritated. He wondered what the deuce she too was driving at, with her hope he would n't be afraid of her and her protestations of equality. In so far as he could understand her she was wrong—he did n't admit her equality; a silly rattling woman was never on a level with a sensible man, a man preoccupied with an ambitious passion. The young Marquise stopped suddenly and looked at him sharply, shaking her fan. "I see you don't believe me, you're too much on your guard. You won't form an alliance, offensive or defensive? You're very wrong; I could really help you."

Newman answered that he was very grateful and that he would certainly ask for help; she should see. "But first of all," he said, "I must help myself." And he went to join Madame de Cintré.

"I 've been telling Madame de la Rochefidèle that you're an American," she said as he came up. "It interests her greatly. Her favourite uncle went over with the French troops to help you in your battles in 230