Page 807 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

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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