Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/303

THE AMERICAN monsieur." In spite of this clean consciousness, however, it appeared to Newman that her voice had a queer quaver, as if the tone of uncontested authority were not habitual to it. The man gave her an impertinent stare, but he walked slowly away, and she led Newman upstairs. At half its course the staircase put forth two arms with an ample rest between. In a niche of this landing stood an indifferent statue of an eighteenth-century nymph, simpering with studied elegance. Here Mrs. Bread stopped and looked with shy kindness at her companion. "I know the good news, sir."

"You've a good right to be first to know it; you've taken such a friendly interest." And then as she turned away and began to blow the dust off the image as if this might but be free pleasantry, "I suppose you want to congratulate me," Newman went on, "and I'm greatly obliged." To which he added: "You gave me much pleasure the other day."

She turned round, apparently reassured. "You're not to think I've been told anything—I 've only guessed. But when I looked at you as you came in I was sure I had guessed right."

"You're really a grand judge," said Newman. "I'm sure that what you don't see isn't worth seeing."

"I'm not a fool, sir, thank God. I've guessed something else beside," said Mrs. Bread.

"What's that?"

"I need n't tell you, sir; I don't think you 'd believe it. At any rate it would n't please you."

"Oh, tell me nothing but what will please me," he laughed. "That's the way you began." 273