Page 56 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

viting compassion. I think I envy her. Before being sure,
however, give me a hint of where you see your duty.’
‘In showing her four European countries—I shall leave
her the choice of two of them—and in giving her the op-
portunity of perfecting herself in French, which she already
knows very well.’
Ralph frowned a little. ‘That sounds rather dry—even al-
lowing her the choice of two of the countries.’
‘If it’s dry,’ said his mother with a laugh, ‘you can leave
Isabel alone to water it! She is as good as a summer rain,
any day.’
‘Do you mean she’s a gifted being?’
‘I don’t know whether she’s a gifted being, but she’s a
clever girlwith a strong will and a high temper. She has no
idea of being bored.’
‘I can imagine that,’ said Ralph; and then he added
abruptly: ‘How do you two get on?’
‘Do you mean by that that I’m a bore? I don’t think she
finds me one. Some girls might, I know; but Isabel’s too
clever for that. I think I greatly amuse her. We get on be-
cause I understand her; I know the sort of girl she is. She’s
very frank, and I’m very frank: we know just what to expect
of each other.’
‘Ah, dear mother,’ Ralph exclaimed, ‘one always knows
what to expect of you! You’ve never surprised me but once,
and that’s to-day—in presenting me with a pretty cousin
whose existence I had never suspected.’
‘Do you think her so very pretty?’
‘Very pretty indeed; but I don’t insist upon that. It’s her

56 The Portrait of a Lady