Page 490 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

you; and you, after what you’ve said-I may just answer you
once for all. Pray, would you wish me to make a mercenary
marriage-what they call a marriage of ambition? I’ve only
one ambition-to be free to follow out a good feeling. I had
others once, but they’ve passed away. Do you complain of
Mr. Osmond because he’s not rich? That’s just what I like
him for. I’ve fortunately money enough; I’ve never felt so
thankful for it as to-day. There have been moments when I
should like to go and kneel down by your father’s grave: he
did perhaps a better thing than he knew when he put it into
my power to marry a poor man-a man who has borne his
poverty with such dignity, with such indifference. Mr. Os-
mond has never scrambled nor struggled he has cared for
no worldly prize. If that’s to be narrow, if that’s to be selfish,
then it’s very well. I’m not frightened by such words, I’m not
even displeased; I’m only sorry that you should make a mis-
take. Others might have done so, but I’m surprised that you
should. You might know a gentleman when you see one-you
might know a fine mind. Mr. Osmond makes no mistakes!
He knows everything, he understands everything, he has
the kindest, gentlest, highest spirit. You’ve got hold of some
false idea. It’s a pity, but I can’t help it; it regards you more
than me.’ Isabel paused a moment, looking at her cousin
with an eye illumined by a sentiment which contradicted
the careful calmness of her manner-a mingled sentiment, to
which the angry pain excited by his words and the wounded
pride of having needed to justify a choice of which she felt
only the nobleness and purity, equally contributed. Though
she paused Ralph said nothing; he saw she had more to say.

490 The Portrait of a Lady