"I think it will be treating you quite
without ceremony if they do; though after all," she added, "it
would be difficult to see now quite what degree of ceremony properly
meets your case."
"Of course," Strether conceded, "my attitude toward them is extraordinary."
"Just so; so that one may ask one's self what style of proceeding
on their own part can altogether match it. The attitude of their
own that won't pale in its light they've doubtless still to work
out. The really handsome thing perhaps," she presently threw off,
"WOULD be for them to withdraw into more secluded conditions,
offering at the same time to share them with you." He looked at
her, on this, as if some generous irritation--all in his interest--
had suddenly again flickered in her; and what she next said indeed
half-explained it. "Don't really be afraid to tell me if what now
holds you IS the pleasant prospect of the empty town, with plenty
of seats in the shade, cool drinks, deserted museums, drives to the
Bois in the evening, and our wonderful woman all to yourself." And
she kept it up still more. "The handsomest thing of ALL, when one
makes it out, would, I dare say, be that Mr. Chad should for a
while go off by himself. It's a pity, from that point of view,"
she wound up, "that he doesn't pay his mother a visit.
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