This came out when he presently said: "Of course I needn't assure you I hope you'll come with us." Then it was that his implications and expectations loomed up for Strether as almost pathetically gross.
The latter patted his shoulder while he thanked him, giving the go-by to the question of joining the Pococks; he expressed the joy he felt at seeing him go forth again so brave and free, and he in fact almost took leave of him on the spot.

"I shall see you again of course before you go; but I'm meanwhile much obliged to you for arranging so conveniently for what you've told me.

I shall walk up and down in the court there--dear little old court which we've each bepaced so, this last couple of months, to the tune of our flights and our drops, our hesitations and our plunges: I shall hang about there, all impatience and excitement, please let Sarah know, till she graciously presents herself.

Leave me with her without fear," he laughed; "I assure you I shan't hurt her.

I don't think either she'll hurt ME: I'm in a situation in which damage was some time ago discounted.