Page 582 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

ton has let me know that he’s charmed with Pansy.’
‘And you’ve never told Osmond?’ This observation was
immediate, precipitate; it almost burst from Madame Mer-
le’s lips.
Isabel’s eyes rested on her. ‘I suppose he’ll know in time;
Lord Warburton has a tongue and knows how to express
himself.’
Madame Merle instantly became conscious that she had
spoken more quickly than usual, and the reflection brought
the colour to her cheek. She gave the treacherous impulse
time to subside and then said as if she had been thinking it
over a little: ‘That would be better than marrying poor Mr.
Rosier.’
‘Much better, I think.’
‘It would be very delightful; it would be a great marriage.
It’s really very kind of him.’
‘Very kind of him?’
‘To drop his eyes on a simple little girl.’
‘I don’t see that.’
‘It’s very good of you. But after all, Pansy Osmond-.’
‘After all, Pansy Osmond’s the most attractive person he
has ever known!’ Isabel exclaimed.
Madame Merle stared, and indeed she was justly bewil-
dered. ‘Ah, a moment ago I thought you seemed rather to
disparage her.’
‘I said she was limited. And so she is. And so’s Lord War-
burton.’
‘So are we all, if you come to that. If it’s no more than
Pansy deserves, all the better. But if she fixes her affections

582 The Portrait of a Lady