THE AMERICAN
"Why did n't you tell a fellow all this at the outset?" Tristram demanded. "I've been trying so to make you fond of me!"
"It's remarkably interesting," said Mrs. Tristram. "I like to see a man know his own mind."
"I've known mine for a long time," Newman went on. "I made up my mind tolerably early in life that some rare creature all one's own is the best kind of property to hold. It's the greatest victory over circumstances. When I say rare I mean rare all through—grown as a rarity and recognised as one. It's a thing every man has an equal right to; he may get it if he can get it. He does n't have to be born with certain faculties on purpose; he needs only to be—well, whatever he really is. Then he need only use his will, and such wits as he can muster, and go in."
"It strikes me," said Mrs. Tristram, "that your marriage is to be rather a matter of heartless pomp."
"Well, it's certain," Newman granted, "that if people notice my wife and admire her I shall count it as part of my success."
"After this," cried Mrs. Tristram, "speak of any man's modesty!"
"But none of them will admire her so much as I."
"You really have the imagination of greatness."
He hesitated as if in fear of her mockery, but he kept it up, repeating his dry formula: "I want the best thing going."
"And I suppose you've already looked about you a good deal."
"More or less, according to opportunity."
50
