I MUST." "Yes, naturally.

But will it do?
You may, you know," Strether suggested, "disappoint him." She was droll and humble about it.

"I can but try.

But my wickedness then," she went on, "is my recommendation for him ?" "Your wickedness and the charms with which, in such a degree as yours, he associates it.

He understands, you see, that Chad and I have above all wanted to have a good time, and his view is simple and sharp.
Nothing will persuade him--in the light, that is, of my behaviour--that I really didn't, quite as much as Chad, come over to have one before it was too late.