much as you've made me. I'd give anything to see her. And
you've left me," Chad went on, "in little enough doubt as to how much
SHE wants it."

Strether thought a minute. "Well then if those things are really your
motive catch the French steamer and sail to-morrow. Of course, when it
comes to that, you're absolutely free to do as you choose. From the
moment you can't hold yourself I can only accept your flight."

"I'll fly in a minute then," said Chad, "if you'll stay here."

"I'll stay here till the next steamer--then I'll follow you."

"And do you call that," Chad asked, "accepting my flight?"

"Certainly--it's the only thing to call it. The only way to keep me
here, accordingly," Strether explained, "is by staying yourself."

Chad took it in. "All the more that I've really dished you, eh?"

"Dished me?" Strether echoed as inexpressively as possible.

"Why if she sends out the Pococks it will be that she doesn't trust
you, and if she doesn't trust you, that bears upon--well, you know
what."

Strether decided after a moment that he did know what, and in
consonance with this he spoke. "You see then all the more what you owe
me."

"Well, if I do see, how can I pay?"

"By not deserting me. By standing by me."

"Oh I say--!" But Chad, as they went downstairs, clapped a firm hand,
in the manner of a pledge, upon his shoulder. They descended slowly
together and had, in the court of the hotel, some further talk, of
which the upshot was that they presently separated. Chad Newsome
departed, and Strether, left alone, looked about, superficially, for
Waymarsh. But Waymarsh hadn't yet, it appeared, come down, and our
friend finally went forth without sight of him.

III

At four o'clock that afternoon he had still not seen him, but he was
then, as to make up for this, engaged in talk about him with Miss
Gostrey. Strether had kept away from home all day, given himself up to
the town and to his thoughts, wandered and mused, been at once restless
and absorbed--and all with the present climax of a rich little welcome
in the Quartier Marboeuf. "Waymarsh has been, 'unbeknown' to me, I'm
convinced"--for Miss Gostrey had enquired--"in communication with
Woollett: the consequence of which was, last night, the loudest
possible call for me."

"Do you mean a letter to bring you home?"

"No--a cable, which I have at this moment in my pocket: a 'Come back by
the first ship.'"

Strether's hostess, it migh