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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The American by Henry James: "I don't really believe it," said Newman.
"No. Don't believe it, don't believe it. She is gaining time; excuse her."
"I pity her!" said Newman.
"Poor Claire!" murmured Valentin. "But they--but they"--and he paused again.
"You saw them; they dismissed you, face to face?"
"Face to face. They were very explicit."
"What did they say?"
"They said they couldn't stand a commercial person."
Valentin put out his hand and laid it upon Newman's arm.
"And about their promise--their engagement with you?"
"They made a distinction. They said it was to hold good only until
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