The American by Henry James, Fiction, Classics - James Henry

Newman is looking for a world different from the simple, harsh realities of 19th-century American business. "Monsieur has bought my picture," said Mademoiselle Noemie. "When it's finished you'll carry it to him in a cab." "A little, my daughter, a little?" said M. Nioche perplexed. "How much?" "Two thousand!" said Mademoiselle Noemie. "Don't make a fuss or he'll take back his word." "Two thousand!" cried the old man, and he began to fumble for his snuff-box. He looked at Newman from head to foot; he looked at his daughter and then at the picture. "Take care you don't spoil it!" he cried almost sublimely.