Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/266

THE AMERICAN It was n't the first day I came, but the second," Newman amended.

"Very true. Valentin annoyed me at the time, but now I know you better I may tell you he was right. If you come often you 'll see!" And Madame de Cintré turned away.

He watched her a while as she talked with other people and then took his leave. It was practically indeed to Valentin alone that he so addressed himself, and his friend followed him to the top of the staircase. "Well, you've taken out your passport," said that young man. "I hope you liked the process and that you admire our red tape."

"I like your sister better than ever. But don't worry your poor brother any more for my sweet sake," Newman added. "There must be something the matter with him."

"There's a good deal!"

"Well, I don't seem to mind him—I don't seem to mind anything!" Newman just a bit musingly acknowledged. "I was only afraid he came down on you in the smoking-room after I went out."

"When my brother comes down on me," said Valentin, "he drops hard. I 've a particular way of receiving him. I must say," he continued, "that they've fallen into line—for it has been a muster of all our forefathers too!—sooner than I expected. I don't understand it; they must really have put forward their clock! It's a tribute to your solidity."

"Well, if my solidity's all they want—!" Newman again rather pensively breathed.

"You can cut them a daily slice of it and let them 236