 perfectly straight of you.« Then he added in a different
tone: »You'd have moreover, in the person of Madame de Vionnet, a very
interesting relation prepared for her.«
    Their eyes, on this proposition, continued to meet, but Chad's, pleasant and
bold, never flinched for a moment. He got up at last, and he said something with
which Strether was struck. »She wouldn't understand her, but that makes no
difference. Madame de Vionnet would like to see her. She'd like to be charming
to her. She believes she could work it.«
    Strether thought a moment, affected by this, but finally turning away. »She
couldn't!«
    »You're quite sure?« Chad asked.
    »Well, risk it if you like!«
    Strether, who uttered this with serenity, had urged a plea for their now
getting into the air; but the young man still waited. »Have you sent your
answer?«
    »No, I've done nothing yet.«
    »Were you waiting to see me?«
    »No, not that.«
    »Only waiting« - and Chad, with this, had a smile for him - »to see Miss
Gostrey?«
    »No - not even Miss Gostrey. I wasn't waiting to see any one. I had only
waited, till now, to make up my mind - in complete solitude; and, since I of
course absolutely owe you the information, was on the point of going out with it
quite made up. Have therefore a little more patience with me. Remember,«
Strether went on, »that that's what you originally asked me to have. I've had
it, you see, and you see what has come of it. Stay on with me.«
    Chad looked grave. »How much longer?«
    »Well, till I make you a sign. I can't myself, you know, at the best, or at
the worst, stay for ever. Let the Pococks come,« Strether repeated.
    »Because it gains you time?«
    »Yes - it gains me time.«
    Chad, as if it still puzzled him, waited a minute. »You don't want to get
back to Mother?«
    »Not just yet. I'm not ready.«
    »You feel,« Chad asked in a tone of his own, »the charm of life over here?«
    »Immensely.« Strether faced it.
