fine. You are the great Western Barbarian, stepping forth in his innocence and might, gazing a while at this poor effete Old World and then swooping down on it.” 

 “Oh, come,” said Newman. “I am not a barbarian, by a good deal. I am very much the reverse. I have seen barbarians; I know what they are.” 

 “I don’t mean that you are a Comanche chief, or that you wear a blanket and feathers. There are different shades.” 

 “I am a highly civilized man,” said Newman. “I stick to that. If you don’t believe it, I should like to prove it to you.” 

 Mrs. Tristram was silent a while. “I should like to make you prove it,” she said, at last. “I should like to put you in a difficult place.” 

 “Pray do,” said Newman. 

 “That has a little conceited sound!” his companion rejoined. 

 “Oh,” said Newman, “I have a very good opinion of myself.” 

 “I wish I could put it to the test. Give me time and I will.” And Mrs. Tristram remained silent for some time afterwards, as if she was trying to keep her pledge. It did not appear that evening that she succeeded; but as he was rising to take his leave she passed suddenly, as she was very apt to do, from the tone of unsparing persiflage to that of almost tremulous sympathy. “Speaking seriously,” she said, “I believe in you, Mr. Newman. You flatter my patriotism.” 

 “Your patriotism?” Christopher demanded. 

 “Even so. It would take too long to explain, and you probably would not understand. Besides, you might take it—really, you might take it for a declaration. But it has nothing to do with you personally; it’s what you represent. Fortunately you don’t know all that, or your conceit would increase insufferably.” 

 Newman stood staring and wondering what under the sun he “represented.” 

 “Forgive all my meddlesome chatter and forget my advice. It is very silly in me to undertake to tell you what to do. When you are embarrassed, do as you think best, and you will do very well. When you are in a difficulty, judge for yourself.” 

 “I shall remember everything you have told me,” said Newman. “There are so many forms and ceremonies over here—” 

 “Forms and ceremonies are what I mean, of course.” 

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