Page 58 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

It may be that Isabel’s a genius; but in that case I’ve not yet
learned her special line. Mrs. Ludlow was especially keen
about my taking her to Europe; they all regard Europe over
there as a land of emigration, of rescue, a refuge for their
superfluous population. Isabel herself seemed very glad to
come, and the thing was easily arranged. There was a little
difficulty about the money-question, as she seemed averse
to being under pecuniary obligations. But she has a small
income and she supposes herself to be travelling at her own
expense.’
Ralph had listened attentively to this judicious report, by
which his interest in the subject of it was not impaired. ‘Ah,
if she’s a genius,’ he said, ‘we must find out her special line.
Is it by chance for flirting?’
‘I don’t think so. You may suspect that at first, but you’ll
be wrong. You won’t, I think, in any way, be easily right
about her.’
‘Warburton’s wrong then!’ Ralph rejoicingly exclaimed.
‘He flatters himself he has made that discovery.’
His mother shook her head. ‘Lord Warburton won’t un-
derstand her. He needn’t try.’
‘He’s very intelligent,’ said Ralph; ‘but it’s right he should
be puzzled once in a while.’
‘Isabel will enjoy puzzling a lord,’ Mrs. Touchett re-
marked.
Her son frowned a little. ‘What does she know about
lords?’
‘Nothing at all: that will puzzle him all the more.’
Ralph greeted these words with a laugh and looked out

58 The Portrait of a Lady