Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/514

THE AMERICAN one knows you 've been joué—it might be thought I was going a little too far, even for me. But I shall see you sometimes—somewhere, eh? You know"—this was said in English—"we 've a plan for a little amusement."

Newman stood there with his hand on the carriage door, listening to this consolatory murmur with an unlighted eye. He hardly knew what Madame Urbain was saying; he was only conscious she was chattering ineffectively. But suddenly it occurred to him that, with her pretty professions, there was a way of making her effective; she might help him to get at the old woman and the Marquis. "They're coming back soon—your companions? You're hanging about for them?"

"They 'll hear the office out; there's nothing to keep them longer. Claire has refused to see them."

"I want to speak to them," Newman said; "and you can help me, you can do me a favour. Delay your return for five minutes and give me a chance at them. I 'll wait for them here."

The young woman clasped her hands in sharp deprecation. "My poor friend, what do you want to do to them? To beg them to come back to you? It will be wasted words. They'll never come back!"

"I want to speak to them all the same. Pray do what I ask you. Stay away and leave them to me for five minutes. You need n't be afraid; I shall not be violent; I'm very quiet."

"Yes, you look very quiet! If they had le cœuir tendre you 'd move them. But don't count on them—you've had enough of that. However, I'll do 484