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James, Henry, 1843-1916

"The Bostonians, Vol. I (of II)"


"I want you to address audiences that are worth addressing--to convince
people who are serious and sincere." Olive herself, as she spoke, heard
the great shake in her voice. "Your mission is not to exhibit yourself
as a pastime for individuals, but to touch the heart of communities, of
nations."
"Dear madam, I'm sure Miss Tarrant will touch my heart!" Mr. Burrage
objected, gallantly.
"Well, I don't know but she judges you young men fairly," said Mrs.
Tarrant, with a sigh.
Verena, diverted a moment from her communion with her friend, considered
Mr. Burrage with a smile. "I don't believe you have got any heart, and I
shouldn't care much if you had!"
"You have no idea how much the way you say that increases my desire to
hear you speak."
"Do as you please, my dear," said Olive, almost inaudibly. "My carriage
must be there--I must leave you, in any case."
"I can see you don't want it," said Verena, wondering. "You would stay
if you liked it, wouldn't you?"
"I don't know what I should do. Come out with me!" Olive spoke almost
with fierceness.
"Well, you'll send them away no better than they came," said Matthias
Pardon.
"I guess you had better come round some other night," Selah suggested
pacifically, but with a significance which fell upon Olive's ear.


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