He saw on the spot what had happened, and what probably would yet; and it was all funny enough.
It was perhaps just this freedom of appreciation that wound him up to his flare of high spirits.

"What is she coming FOR ?--to kill me ?" "She's coming to be very VERY kind to you, and you must let me say that I greatly hope you'll not be less so to herself." This was spoken by Waymarsh with much gravity of admonition, and as Strether stood there he knew he had but to make a movement to take the attitude of a man gracefully receiving a present.

The present was that of the opportunity dear old Waymarsh had flattered himself he had divined in him the slight soreness of not having yet thoroughly enjoyed; so he had brought it to him thus, as on a little silver breakfast-tray, familiarly though delicately--without oppressive pomp; and he was to bend and smile and acknowledge, was to take and use and be grateful.

He was not--that was the beauty of it--to be asked to deflect too much from his dignity.

No wonder the old boy bloomed in this bland air of his own distillation.