Page 595 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

‘Meantime,’ said Osmond, ‘I should like our distin-
guished visitor to speak.’
‘He has spoken-to me. He has told me it would be a great
pleasure to him to believe she could care for him.’
Osmond turned his head quickly, but at first he said noth-
ing. Then, ‘Why didn’t you tell me that?’ he asked sharply.
‘There was no opportunity. You know how we live. I’ve
taken the first chance that has offered.’
‘Did you speak to him of Rosier?’
‘Oh yes, a little.’
‘That was hardly necessary.’
‘I thought it best he should know, so that, so that-’ And
Isabel paused.
‘So that what?’
‘So that he might act accordingly.’
‘So that he might back out, do you mean?’
‘No, so that he might advance while there’s yet time.’
‘That’s not the effect it seems to have had.’
‘You should have patience,’ said Isabel. ‘You know Eng-
lishmen are shy.’
‘This one’s not. He was not when he made love to you.’
She had been afraid Osmond would speak of that; it was
disagreeable to her. ‘I beg your pardon; he was extremely
so,’ she returned.
He answered nothing for some time; he took up a book
and fingered the pages while she sat silent and occupied her-
self with Pansy’s tapestry. ‘You must have a great deal of
influence with him,’ Osmond went on at last. ‘The moment
you really wish it you can bring him to the point.’

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