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girl’s momentary resistance (mute and modest thought it
had been) seemed only her tribute to the truth of things. She
didn’t presume to judge others, but she had judged herself;
she had seen the reality. She had no vocation for struggling
with combinations; in the solemnity of sequestration there
was something that overwhelmed her. She bowed her pretty
head to authority and only asked of authority to be merci-
ful. Yes; it was very well that Edward Rosier had reserved a
few articles!’
Isabel got up; her time was rapidly shortening. ‘Good-
bye then. I leave Rome to-night.’
Pansy took hold of her dress; there was a sudden change
in the child’s face. ‘You look strange; you frighten me.’
‘Oh, I’m very harmless,’ said Isabel.
‘Perhaps you won’t come back?’
‘Perhaps not. I can’t tell.’
‘Ah, Mrs. Osmond, you won’t leave me!’
Isabel now saw she had guessed everything. ‘My dear
child, what can I do for you?’ she asked.
‘I don’t know-but I’m happier when I think of you.’
‘You can always think of me.’
‘Not when you’re so far. I’m a little afraid,’ said Pansy.
‘What are you afraid of?’
‘Of papa-a little. And of Madame Merle. She has just
been to see me.’
‘You must not say that,’ Isabel observed.
‘Oh, I’ll do everything they want. Only if you’re here I
shall do it more easily.’
Isabel considered. ‘I won’t desert you,’ she said at last.

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