"Less so than it may seem.

The purpose of Mrs.Pocock's visit is to explain to you in fact that it's NOT." Strether didn't at all know if he had really an advantage--anything that would practically count as one; but he enjoyed for the moment--as for the first time in his life--the sense of so carrying it off.

He wondered--it was amusing--if he felt as the impudent feel.

"I shall take great pleasure, I assure you, in any explanation.

I shall be delighted to receive Sarah." The sombre glow just darkened in his comrade's eyes; but he was struck with the way it died out again.