Page 802 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

‘He appears to have understood.’
‘Oh no, he hasn’t!’ cried Miss Stackpole with decision. ‘I
really believe that’s what he wants to marry me for-just to
find out the mystery and the proportions of it. That’s a fixed
idea-a kind of fascination.’
‘It’s very good in you to humour it.’
‘Oh well,’ said Henrietta, ‘I’ve something to find out too!’
And Isabel saw that she had not renounced an allegiance,
but planned an attack. She was at last about to grapple in
earnest with England.
Isabel also perceived, however, on the morrow, at the
Paddington Station, where she found herself, at ten o’clock,
in the company both of Miss Stackpole and Mr. Bantling,
that the gentleman bore his perplexities lightly. If he had
not found out everything he had found out at least the great
point-that Miss Stackpole would not be wanting in initia-
tive. It was evident that in the selection of a wife he had been
on his guard against this deficiency.
‘Henrietta has told me, and I’m very glad,’ Isabel said as
she gave him her hand.
‘I dare say you think it awfully odd,’ Mr. Bantling re-
plied, resting on his neat umbrella.
‘Yes, I think it awfully odd.’
‘You can’t think it so awfully odd as I do. But I’ve always
rather liked striking out a line,’ said Mr. Bantling serenely.

802 The Portrait of a Lady