Page 548 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

Chapter 19

It will probably not surprise the reflective reader that
Ralph Touchett should have seen less of his cousin since her
marriage than he had done before that event of which he
took such a view as could hardly prove a confirmation of
intimacy. He had uttered his thought, as we know, and af-
ter this had held his peace, Isabel not having invited him to
resume a discussion which marked an era in their relations.
That discussion had made a difference-the difference he
feared rather than the one he hoped. It had not chilled the
girl’s zeal in carrying out her engagement, but it had come
dangerously near to spoiling a friendship. No reference was
ever again made between them to Ralph’s opinion of Gil-
bert Osmond, and by surrounding this topic with a sacred
silence they managed to preserve a semblance of reciprocal
frankness. But there was a difference, as Ralph often said to
himself-there was a difference. She had not forgiven him,
she never would forgive him: that was all he had gained. She
thought she had forgiven him; she believed she didn’t care;
and as she was both very generous and very proud these
convictions represented a certain reality. But whether or no
the event should justify him he would virtually have done
her a wrong, and the wrong was of the sort that women re-
member best. As Osmond’s wife she could never again be
his friend. If in this character she should enjoy the felicity

548 The Portrait of a Lady