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 wen
