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The change in her? Then you knew her before? The young mans colour again rose. I used to see her in her husbands house. I have known Count Olenski for many years. You can imagine that he would not have sent a stranger on such a mission. Archers gaze, wandering away to the blank walls of the office, rested on a hanging calendar surmounted by the rugged features of the President of the United States. That such a conversation should be going on anywhere within the millions of square miles subject to his rule seemed as strange as anything that the imagination could invent. The changewhat sort of a change? Ah, Monsieur, if I could tell you! M. Rivière paused. Tenezthe discovery, I suppose, of what Id never thought of before: that shes an American. And that if youre an American of her kindof your kindthings that are accepted in certain other societies, or at least put up with as part of a general convenient give-and- takebecome unthinkable, simply unthinkable. If Madame Olenskas relations understood what these things were, their opposition to her returning would no doubt be as unconditional as her own; but they seem to regard her husbands wish to have her back as proof of an irresistible longing for domestic life. M. Rivière paused, and then added: Whereas its far from being as simple as that. Archer looked back to the President of the United States, and then down at his desk and at the papers scattered on it. For a second or two he could not trust himself to speak. During this interval he heard M. Rivières chair pushed back, and was aware that the young man had risen. When he glanced up again he saw that his visitor was as moved as himself. Thank you, Archer said simply. Theres nothing to thank me for, Monsieur: it is I, rather M. Rivière broke off, as if speech for him too were difficult. I should like, though, he continued in a firmer voice, to add one thing. You asked me if I was in Count Olenskis employ. I am at this moment: I returned to him, a few months ago, for reasons of private necessity such as may happen to any one who has persons, ill and older persons, dependent on him. But from the moment that I have taken the step of coming here to say these things to you I consider myself discharged, and I shall tell him so on my return, and give him the reasons. Thats all, Monsieur. M. Rivière bowed and drew back a step. Thank you, Archer said again, as their hands met. |
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