Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/265

THE AMERICAN "Our word's our word," Urbain pronounced. "We recognise that we've given it."

"Well then," said Newman, "I'm very glad of your pride and your pretensions. You 'll have to keep your word to keep them up."

The Marquise was silent a little; after which, suddenly, "I shall always be polite to you, Mr. Newman," she declared, "but decidedly I shall never like you."

"Don't be too sure, madam!" her visitor laughed.

"I'm so sure that I shall ask you to take me back to my armchair without the least fear of having my sentiments modified by the service you render me." And Madame de Bellegarde took his arm and returned to the salon and to her customary place.

M. de la Rochefidèle and his wife were preparing to take their leave, and Madame de Cintré's interview with the mumbling old lady was at an end. She stood looking about her, asking herself apparently to whom she should next speak, when Newman approached. "Your mother has given me leave—very solemnly—to come here often. I intend to come often."

"I shall be glad to see you," she answered simply. And then in a moment: "You probably think it very strange that there should be such a solemnity—as you say—about your coming."

"Well yes; I do, rather."

"Do you remember what my brother Valentin said the first day you came to see me?—that we're a strange, strange family." 235