She couldn't therefore but feel that, though, as the end of
all, the facts in question had been stoutly confirmed, her ground
for personal, for what might have been called interested, elation
remained rather vague. Strether might easily have made out that
she had been asking herself, in the hours she had just sat through,
if there were still for her, or were only not, a fair shade of
uncertainty. Let us hasten to add, however, that what he at first
made out on this occasion he also at first kept to himself. He
only asked what in particular Madame de Vionnet had come for,
and as to this his companion was ready.
"She wants tidings of Mr. Newsome, whom she appears not to have
seen for some days."
"Then she hasn't been away with him again?"
"She seemed to think," Maria answered, "that he might have gone
away with YOU."
"And did you tell her I know nothing of him?"
She had her indulgent headshake. "I've known nothing of what you
know. I could only tell her I'd ask you."
"Then I've not seen him for a week--and of course I've wondered."
His wonderment showed at this moment as sharper, but he presently
went on. "Still, I dare say I can put my hand on him. Did she
strike you," he asked, "as anxious?"
"She's always anxious.
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