No, never before had he been so ready to take him as he was.

What was it that had suddenly so cleared up?
It was just everybody's character; that is everybody's but--in a measure--his own.
Strether felt HIS character receive for the instant a smutch from all the wrong things he had suspected or believed.

The person to whom Chad owed it that he could positively turn out such a comfort to other persons--such a person was sufficiently raised above any "breath" by the nature of her work and the young man's steady light.

All of which was vivid enough to come and go quickly; though indeed in the midst of it Strether could utter a question.

"Have I your word of honour that if I surrender myself to Madame de Vionnet you'll surrender yourself to me ?" Chad laid his hand firmly on his friend's.