The Lesson of the Master by Henry James
page 68 of 88 (77%)
page 68 of 88 (77%)
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was about myself." Paul gave an irrepressible groan for the
disappearance of such a production, and the elder man went on: "Oh but _you_ should write it--_you_ should do me." And he pulled up--from the restless motion that had come upon him; his fine smile a generous glare. "There's a subject, my boy: no end of stuff in it!" Again Paul was silent, but it was all tormenting. "Are there no women who really understand--who can take part in a sacrifice?" "How can they take part? They themselves are the sacrifice. They're the idol and the altar and the flame." "Isn't there even _one_ who sees further?" Paul continued. For a moment St. George made no answer; after which, having torn up his letters, he came back to the point all ironic. "Of course I know the one you mean. But not even Miss Fancourt." "I thought you admired her so much." "It's impossible to admire her more. Are you in love with her?" St. George asked. "Yes," Paul Overt presently said. "Well then give it up." Paul stared. "Give up my 'love'?" "Bless me, no. Your idea." And then as our hero but still gazed: "The |
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