Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/305

THE AMERICAN of. Newman said to himself that her daughter had been announcing their engagement and that she found the morsel hard to swallow. But Madame de Cintré, as she gave him her hand, gave him also a look by which she appeared to mean that he should understand something. Was it a warning or a request? Did she wish to enjoin speech or silence? He was puzzled, and young Madame de Bellegarde's pretty grin gave him no information.

"I've not told my mother," said Madame de Cintré abruptly and with her eyes on him.

"Told me what?" the Marquise demanded. "You tell me too little. You should tell me everything."

"That's what I do," laughed Madame Urbain with all her bravery.

"Let me tell your mother," said Newman.

The old woman stared at him again and then turned to her daughter. "You're going to marry him?" she brought out.

"Oui, ma mère," said Madame de Cintré.

"Your daughter has consented, to my very great happiness," Newman announced.

"And when was this arrangement made?" asked Madame de Bellegarde. "I seem to be picking up the news by chance!"

"My suspense came to an end yesterday," said Newman.

"And how long was mine to have lasted?" the Marquise further enquired of her daughter. She spoke without irritation, with cold, noble displeasure.

Madame de Cintré stood silent and with her eyes on the ground. "It's over at all events now." 275