"But that's precisely where we are.

It marks a stage in his relation.

The act is his answer to Mrs.
Newsome's demonstration." "It tells," Maria asked, "the worst ?" "The worst." "But is the worst what he wants Sarah to know ?" "He doesn't care for Sarah." At which Miss Gostrey's eyebrows went up.

"You mean she has already dished herself ?" Strether took a turn about; he had thought it out again and again before this, to the end; but the vista seemed each time longer.

"He wants his good friend to know the best.