Page 472 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

in such doings, you should know.’
‘I shall set the fashion then. What does one marry for?’
‘What you will marry for, heaven only knows. People
usually marry as they go into partnership-to set up a house.
But in your partnership you’ll bring everything.’
‘Is it that Mr. Osmond isn’t rich? Is that what you’re talk-
ing about?’ Isabel asked.
‘He has no money; he has no name; he has no impor-
tance. I value such things and I have the courage to say it;
I think they’re very precious. Many other people think the
same, and they show it. But they give some other reason.’
Isabel hesitated a little. ‘I think I value everything that’s
valuable. I care very much for money, and that’s why I wish
Mr. Osmond to have a little.’
‘Give it to him then; but marry some one else.’
‘His name’s good enough for me,’ the girl went on. ‘It’s a
very pretty name. Have I such a fine one myself?’
‘All the more reason you should improve on it. There are
only a dozen American names. Do you marry him out of
charity?’
‘It was my duty to tell you, Aunt Lydia, but I don’t think
it’s my duty to explain to you. Even if it were I shouldn’t
be able. So please don’t remonstrate; in talking about it you
have me at a disadvantage. I can’t talk about it.’
‘I don’t remonstrate, I simply answer you: I must give
some sign of intelligence. I saw it coming, and I said noth-
ing. I never meddle.’
‘You never do, and I’m greatly obliged to you. You’ve
been very considerate.’

472 The Portrait of a Lady