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suppose if I were not I’d tell you?’ ‘Well, I don’t know. I don’t
see why not.’
‘I do then. Fortunately, however, I’m very happy.’
‘You’ve got an awfully good house.’
‘Yes, it’s very pleasant. But that’s not my merit-it’s my
husband’s.’
‘You mean he has arranged it?’
‘Yes, it was nothing when we came.’
‘He must be very clever.’
‘He has a genius for upholstery,’ said Isabel.
‘There’s a great rage for that sort of thing now. But you
must have a taste of your own.’
‘I enjoy things when they’re done, but I’ve no ideas. I can
never propose anything.’
‘Do you mean you accept what others propose?’
‘Very willingly, for the most part.’
‘That’s a good thing to know. I shall propose to you
something.’
‘It will be very kind. I must say, however, that I’ve in a few
small ways a certain initiative. I should like for instance to
introduce you to some of these people.’
‘Oh, please don’t; I prefer sitting here. Unless it be to that
young lady in the blue dress. She has a charming face.’
‘The one talking to the rosy young man? That’s my hus-
band’s daughter.’
‘Lucky man, your husband. What a dear little maid!
‘You must make her acquaintance.’
‘In a moment-with pleasure. I like looking at her from
here.’ He ceased to look at her, however, very soon; his eyes

544 The Portrait of a Lady