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Now I suppose youre speaking of me, said Isabel with humility; and she turned away again, for she saw Miss Molyneux enter the gallery, accompanied by Henrietta and by Ralph. Lord Warburtons sister addressed him with a certain timidity and reminded him she ought to return home in time for tea, as she was expecting company to partake of it. He made no answerapparently not having heard her; he was preoccupied, and with good reason. Miss Molyneuxas if he had been Royaltystood like a lady-in-waiting. Well, I never, Miss Molyneux! said Henrietta Stackpole. If I wanted to go hed have to go. If I wanted my brother to do a thing hed have to do it. Oh, Warburton does everything one wants, Miss Molyneux answered with a quick, shy laugh. How very many pictures you have! she went on, turning to Ralph. They look a good many, because theyre all put together, said Ralph. But its really a bad way. Oh, I think its so nice. I wish we had a gallery at Lockleigh. Im so very fond of pictures, Miss Molyneux went on, persistently, to Ralph, as if she were afraid Miss Stackpole would address her again. Henrietta appeared at once to fascinate and to frighten her. Ah yes, pictures are very convenient, said Ralph, who appeared to know better what style of reflexion was acceptable to her. Theyre so very pleasant when it rains, the young lady continued. It has rained of late so very often. Im sorry youre going away, Lord Warburton, said Henrietta. I wanted to get a great deal more out of you. Im not going away, Lord Warburton answered. Your sister says you must. In America the gentlemen obey the ladies. Im afraid we have some people to tea, said Miss Molyneux, looking at her brother. Very good, my dear. Well go. I hoped you would resist! Henrietta exclaimed. I wanted to see what Miss Molyneux would do. I never do anything, said this young lady. I suppose in your position its sufficient for you to exist! Miss Stackpole returned. I should like very much to see you at home. You must come to Lockleigh again, said Miss Molyneux very sweetly, to Isabel, ignoring this remark of Isabels friend. Isabel looked into her quiet eyes a moment, and for that moment seemed to see in their grey depths the reflexion of everything she had rejected in rejecting Lord Warburtonthe peace, the kindness, the honour, the possessions, a deep security and a great exclusion. She kissed Miss Molyneux and then she said: Im afraid I can never come again. Never again? Im afraid Im going away. Oh, Im so very sorry, said Miss Molyneux. I think thats so very wrong of you. |
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