Page 807 - the-portrait-of-a-lady
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perceive, however, how it had come over her dimly that she
         had failed of something, that she saw herself in the future
         as an old woman without memories. Her little sharp face
         looked tragical. She told her niece that Ralph had as yet not
         moved, but that he probably would be able to see her before
         dinner. And then in a moment she added that he had seen
         Lord Warburton the day before; an announcement which
         startled Isabel a little, as it seemed an intimation that this
         personage was in the neighbourhood and that an accident
         might  bring  them  together.  Such  an  accident  would  not
         be happy; she had not come to England to struggle again
         with Lord Warburton. She none the less presently said to
         her aunt that he had been very kind to Ralph; she had seen
         something of that in Rome.
            ‘He has something else to think of now,’ Mrs. Touchett
         returned. And she paused with a gaze like a gimlet.
            Isabel saw she meant something, and instantly guessed
         what  she  meant.  But  her  reply  concealed  her  guess;  her
         heart beat faster and she wished to gain a moment. ‘Ah yes-
         the House of Lords and all that.’
            ‘He’s not thinking of the Lords; he’s thinking of the la-
         dies. At least he’s thinking of one of them; he told Ralph he’s
         engaged to be married.’
            ‘Ah, to be married!’ Isabel mildly exclaimed.
            ‘Unless he breaks it off. He seemed to think Ralph would
         like to know. Poor Ralph can’t go to the wedding, though I
         believe it’s to take place very soon.’
            ‘And who’s the young lady?’
            ‘A member of the aristocracy; Lady Flora, Lady Felicia-

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