‘No, not always. I lived a long time at Naples, and many years in Rome. But I’ve been here a good while. Perhaps I shall have to change, however; to do something else. I’ve no longer myself to think of. My daughter’s growing up and may very possibly not care so much for the Correggios and crucifixes as I. I shall have to do what’s best for Pansy.’

‘Yes, do that,’ said Isabel. ‘She’s such a dear little girl.’

‘Ah,’ cried Gilbert Osmond beautifully, ‘she’s a little saint of heaven! She is my great happiness!’