Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/458

THE AMERICAN own children in your arms. Perhaps I shall yet." And he put out his hand. She looked for a moment at his open palm, and then, as if fascinated by the novelty of the gesture, extended her own ladylike member. Newman held it firmly and deliberately, fixing his eyes on her. "You want to know all about the Count?"

"It would be a terrible pleasure, sir."

"I can tell you everything. Can you sometimes leave this place?"

"The château, sir? I really don't know. I've never tried."

"Try then; try hard. Try this evening at dusk. Come to me in the old ruin there on the hill, in the court before the church. I 'll wait for you on that spot; I've something very important to tell you. A grand old woman like you can do as she pleases."

She wondered with parted lips. "Is it from the dear Count, sir?"

"From the dear Count—from his damnable deathbed."

"I'll come, then. I'll be bold, for once, for him."

She led Newman into the great drawing-room with which he had already made acquaintance, and retired to carry his message. He waited a long time; at last he was on the point of ringing and repeating his request. He was looking round him for a bell when the Marquis came in with his mother on his arm. It will be seen he had a logical mind when I say that he declared to himself, in perfect good faith, as a result of Valentin's supreme communication, that his 428