The Diary of a Man of Fifty by Henry James
page 18 of 50 (36%)
page 18 of 50 (36%)
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Englishmen eccentric? All except that one!" and the Countess pointed to
poor Stanmer, in his corner of the sofa. "Oh, I know just what he is," I said. "He's as quiet as a lamb--he's like all the world," cried the Countess. "Like all the world--yes. He is in love with you." She looked at me with sudden gravity. "I don't object to your saying that for all the world--but I do for him." "Well," I went on, "he is peculiar in this: he is rather afraid of you." Instantly she began to smile; she turned her face toward Stanmer. He had seen that we were talking about him; he coloured and got up--then came toward us. "I like men who are afraid of nothing," said our hostess. "I know what you want," I said to Stanmer. "You want to know what the Signora Contessa says about you." Stanmer looked straight into her face, very gravely. "I don't care a straw what she says." "You are almost a match for the Signora Contessa," I answered. "She declares she doesn't care a pin's head what you think." "I recognise the Countess's style!" Stanmer exclaimed, turning away. |
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