Chad also be in
perpetual evening dress? He somehow rather hoped it - it seemed so to add to
this young man's general amenability; though he wondered too if, to fight him
with his own weapons, he himself (a thought almost startling) would have
likewise to be. This young man furthermore would have been much more easy to
handle - at least for him - than appeared probable in respect to Chad.
    It came up for him with Miss Gostrey that there were things of which she
would really perhaps after all have heard; and she admitted when a little
pressed that she was never quite sure of what she heard as distinguished from
things such as, on occasions like the present, she only extravagantly guessed.
»I seem with this freedom, you see, to have guessed Mr. Chad. He's a young man
on whose head high hopes are placed at Woollett; a young man a wicked woman has
got hold of and whom his family over there have sent you out to rescue. You've
accepted the mission of separating him from the wicked woman. Are you quite sure
she's very bad for him?«
    Something in his manner showed it as quite pulling him up. »Of course we
are. Wouldn't you be?«
    »Oh I don't know. One never does - does one? - beforehand. One can only
judge on the facts. Yours are quite new to me; I'm really not in the least, as
you see, in possession of them: so it will be awfully interesting to have them
from you. If you're satisfied, that's all that's required. I mean if you're sure
you are sure: sure it won't do.«
    »That he should lead such a life? Rather!«
    »Oh but I don't know, you see, about his life; you've not told me about his
life. She may be charming - his life!«
    »Charming?« - Strether stared before him. »She's base, venal - out of the
streets.«
    »I see. And he -?«
    »Chad, wretched boy?«
    »Of what type and temper is he?« she went on as Strether had lapsed.
    »Well - the obstinate.« It was as if for a moment he had been going to say
more and had then controlled himself.
    That was scarce what she wished. »Do you like him?«
    This time he was prompt. »No.