"What do you mean," Strether enquired, "by 'straight off' ?" "Oh by one of next week's boats.

Everything at this season goes out so light that berths will be easy anywhere." Strether had in his hand his telegram, which he had kept there after attaching his watch, and he now offered it to Chad, who, however, with an odd movement, declined to take it.

"Thanks, I'd rather not.

Your correspondence with Mother's your own affair.

I'm only WITH you both on it, whatever it is." Strether, at this, while their eyes met, slowly folded the missive and put it in his pocket; after which, before he had spoken again, Chad broke fresh ground.