Page:The Novels and Tales of Henry James, Volume 2 (New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1907).djvu/82

 young person herself should square with your tremendous standard?"

"She's going to offer you an unappreciated governess!" Tristram groaned.

"Of course I won't deny that, other things being equal, I should like one of my own countrywomen best," Newman pursued. "We should speak the same language, and that would be a comfort. But I'm not afraid of any foreigner who's the best thing in her own country. Besides, I rather like the idea of taking in Europe too. It enlarges the field of selection. When you choose from a greater number you can bring your choice to a finer point."

"Sardanapalus!" Tristram sighed.

"Well, you've come to the right market," Newman's hostess brought out after a pause. "I happen to number among my friends the finest creature in the world. Neither more nor less. I don't say a very charming person or a very estimable woman or a very great beauty: I say simply the finest creature in the world."

"I'm bound to say then," cried Tristram, "that you've kept very quiet about her. Were you afraid of me?"

"You've seen her," said his wife, "but you've no perception of such quality as Claire's."

"Ah, her name's Claire? I give it up."

"Does your friend wish to marry?" Newman asked.

"Not in the least. It's for you to make her change her mind. It won't be easy; she has had one husband and he gave her a low opinion of the species." 52