Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/396

THE AMERICAN over the edge of a pulpit or a lecture-desk. He did n't smile, but he looked softly grave. "Pardon me, sir—what I assured you was that I would n't influence my sister's decision. I adhered to the letter to my engagement. Did I not, my sister?"

"Don't appeal, my son," said the Marquise. "Your word's all sufficient."

"Yes—she accepted me," said Newman. "That's very true; I can't deny that. At least," he added in a different tone while he turned to Madame de Cintré, "you did accept me?" The effect of deep irony in it—even if there had been nothing else—appeared to move her strongly, and she turned away, burying her face in her hands. "But you've interfered now, have n't you?" he went on to the Marquis.

"Neither then nor now have I attempted to influence my sister. I used no persuasion then—I 've used no persuasion to-day."

"And what have you used?"

"We've used authority," said Madame de Bellegarde in a rich, bell-like voice.

"Ah, you've used authority! Newman wonderfully echoed. "They've used authority—" He turned to Madame de Cintré. "What in the world is their authority and how do they apply it?"

"My mother addressed me her command," Madame de Cintré said with a sound that was the strangest yet.

"Her command that you should give me up—I see. And you obey—I see. But why do you obey?" Newman pursued. 366