"
"And what next?" Madame Goesler, as she thus interrogated him, was
leaning across towards him from the sofa on which she was placed,
with both her elbows resting on a small table before her. We all know
that look of true interest which the countenance of a real friend
will bear when the welfare of his friend is in question. There are
doubtless some who can assume it without feeling,--as there are
actors who can personate all the passions. But in ordinary life we
think that we can trust such a face, and that we know the true look
when we see it. Phineas, as he gazed into Madame Goesler's eyes, was
sure that the lady opposite him was not acting. She at least was
anxious for his welfare, and was making his cares her own. "What
next?" said she, repeating her words in a tone that was somewhat
hurried.
"I do not know that there will be any next. As far as public life is
concerned, there will be no next for me, Madame Goesler."
"That is out of the question," she said. "You are made for public
life."
"Then I shall be untrue to my making, I fear. But to speak plainly--"
"Yes; speak plainly. I want to understand the reality."
"The reality is this. I shall keep my seat to the end of the session,
as I think I may be of use. After that I shall give it up.
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