The really handsome thing perhaps," she presently threw off, "WOULD be for them to withdraw into more secluded conditions, offering at the same time to share them with you." He looked at her, on this, as if some generous irritation--all in his interest--had suddenly again flickered in her; and what she next said indeed half-explained it.

"Don't really be afraid to tell me if what now holds you IS the pleasant prospect of the empty town, with plenty of seats in the shade, cool drinks, deserted museums, drives to the Bois in the evening, and our wonderful woman all to yourself." And she kept it up still more.

"The handsomest thing of ALL, when one makes it out, would, I dare say, be that Mr.
Chad should for a while go off by himself.

It's a pity, from that point of view," she wound up, "that he doesn't pay his mother a visit.
It would at least occupy your interval." The thought in fact held her a moment.

"Why doesn't he pay his mother a visit?
Even a week, at this good moment, would do." "My dear lady," Strether replied--and he had it even to himself surprisingly ready--"my dear lady, his mother has paid HIM a visit.
Mrs.Newsome has been with him, this month, with an intensity that I'm sure he has thoroughly felt; he has lavishly entertained her, and she has let him have her thanks.