Page 775 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

This enquiry appeared to ruffle the Countess more than
Isabel’s expression of gratitude pleased her. She gave her
companion a bold stare, with which, ‘Let us assume that I’ve
invented it!’ she cried. She too, however, suddenly changed
her tone and, laying her hand on Isabel’s arm, said with the
penetration of her sharp bright smile: ‘Now will you give up
your journey?’
Isabel started a little; she turned away. But she felt weak
and in a moment had to lay her arm upon the mantel-shelf
for support. She stood a minute so, and then upon her arm
she dropped her dizzy head, with closed eyes and pale lips.
‘I’ve done wrong to speak-I’ve made you ill!’ the Count-
ess cried.
‘Ah, I must see Ralph!’ Isabel wailed; not in resentment,
not in the quick passion her companion had looked for; but
in a tone of far-reaching, infinite sadness.

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