Page 408 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

‘Lord Warburton!’ Isabel exclaimed as she rose.
‘I had no idea it was you. I turned that corner and came
upon you.’
She looked about her to explain. ‘I’m alone, but my com-
panions have just left me. My cousin’s gone to look at the
work over there.’
‘Ah yes; I see.’ And Lord Warburton’s eyes wandered
vaguely in the direction she had indicated. He stood firmly
before her now; he had recovered his balance and seemed
to wish to show it, though very kindly. ‘Don’t let me disturb
you,’ he went on, looking at her dejected pillar. ‘I’m afraid
you’re tired.’
‘Yes, I’m rather tired.’ She hesitated a moment, but sat
down again. ‘Don’t let me interrupt you,’ she added.
‘Oh dear, I’m quite alone, I’ve nothing on earth to do. I
had no idea you were in Rome. I’ve just come from the East.
I’m only passing through.’
‘You’ve been making a long journey,’ said Isabel, who
had learned from Ralph that Lord Warburton was absent
from England.
‘Yes, I came abroad for six months—soon after I saw you
last. I’ve been in Turkey and Asia Minor; I came the other
day from Athens.’ He managed not to be awkward, but he
wasn’t easy, and after a longer look at the girl he came down
to nature. ‘Do you wish me to leave you, or will you let me
stay a little?’
She took it all humanely. ‘I don’t wish you to leave me,
Lord Warburton; I’m very glad to see you.’
‘Thank you for saying that. May I sit down?’

408 The Portrait of a Lady