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IV.]
THE EUROPEANS.
173
"Well," said Felix meditatively, "I mean that she has had a great deal of self-possession. She was waiting for years; even when she seemed, perhaps, to be living in the present. She knew how to wait; she had a purpose. That's what I mean by her being strong."
"But what do you mean by her purpose?"
"Well—the purpose to see the world!"
Mr. Brand eyed his strange informant askance again; but he said nothing. At last he turned away, as if to take leave. He seemed bewildered, however; for instead of going to the door he moved toward the opposite corner of the room. Felix stood and watched him for a moment—almost groping about in the dusk; then he led him