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Isabel waited. At the mention of Mr Goodwoods name she had turned a little pale. Im very sorry you did that, she observed at last. It was a pleasure to me, and I liked the way he listened. I could have talked a long time to such a listener; he was so quiet, so intense; he drank it all in. What did you say about me? Isabel asked. I said you were on the whole the finest creature I know. Im very sorry for that. He thinks too well of me already; he oughtnt to be encouraged. Hes dying for a little encouragement. I see his face now, and his earnest absorbed look while I talked. I never saw an ugly man look so handsome. Hes very simple-minded, said Isabel. And hes not so ugly. Theres nothing so simplifying as a grand passion. Its not a grand passion; Im very sure its not that. You dont say that as if you were sure. Isabel gave rather a cold smile. I shall say it better to Mr Goodwood himself. Hell soon give you a chance, said Henrietta. Isabel offered no answer to this assertion, which her companion made with an air of great confidence. Hell find you changed, the latter pursued. Youve been affected by your new surroundings. Very likely. Im affected by everything. By everything but Mr Goodwood! Miss Stackpole exclaimed with a slightly harsh hilarity. Isabel failed even to smile back and in a moment she said: Did he ask you to speak to me? Not in so many words. But his eyes asked itand his handshake, when he bade me good-bye. Thank you for doing so. And Isabel turned away. Yes, youre changed; youve got new ideas over here, her friend continued. I hope so, said Isabel; one should get as many new ideas as possible. Yes; but they shouldnt interfere with the old ones when the old ones have been the right ones. Isabel turned about again. If you mean that I had any idea with regard to Mr Goodwood! But she faltered before her friends implacable glitter. My dear child, you certainly encouraged him. Isabel made for the moment as if to deny this charge; instead of which, however, she presently answered: Its very true. I did encourage him. And then she asked if her companion had learned from Mr Goodwood what he intended to do. It was a concession to her curiosity, for she disliked discussing the subject and found Henrietta wanting in delicacy. |
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