It was practically in the manner of any one--it was all but in poor Strether's own--that instead of taking anything up he merely made the most of having to be himself explanatory.

"I'm not leaving for the United States direct.
Mr.and Mrs.Pocock and Miss Mamie are thinking of a little trip before their own return, and we've been talking for some days past of our joining forces.

We've settled it that we do join and that we sail together the end of next month.

But we start to-morrow for Switzerland.
Mrs.Pocock wants some scenery.

She hasn't had much yet." He was brave in his way too, keeping nothing back, confessing all there was, and only leaving Strether to make certain connexions.