Page 658 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

‘Cruel to the other person perhaps-the one she cares for.
But Warburton isn’t obliged to mind that.’
‘No, cruel to her,’ said Isabel. ‘She would be very unhap-
py if she were to allow herself to be persuaded to desert poor
Mr. Rosier. That idea seems to amuse you; of course you’re
not in love with him. He has the merit-for Pansy-of being
in love with Pansy. She can see at a glance that Lord War-
burton isn’t.’
‘He’d be very good to her,’ said Ralph.
‘He has been good to her already. Fortunately, however,
he has not said a word to disturb her. He could come and bid
her good-bye to-morrow with perfect propriety.’
‘How would your husband like that?’
‘Not at all; and he may be right in not liking it. Only he
must obtain satisfaction himself.’
‘Has he commissioned you to obtain it?’ Ralph ventured
to ask.
‘It was natural that as an old friend of Lord Warbur-
ton’s-an older friend, that is, than Gilbert-I should take an
interest in his intentions.’
‘Take an interest in his renouncing them, you mean?’
Isabel hesitated, frowning a little. ‘Let me understand.
Are you pleading his cause?’
‘Not in the least. I’m very glad he shouldn’t become your
stepdaughter’s husband. It makes such a very queer relation
to you!’ said Ralph, smiling. ‘But I’m rather nervous lest your
husband should think you haven’t pushed him enough.’
Isabel found herself able to smile as well as he. ‘He knows
me well enough not to have expected me to push. He him-

658 The Portrait of a Lady