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Did he see Pansy? Yes; he sat on the sofa beside her. Did he talk with her much? He talked almost only to her. It seems to me hes attentive. Isnt that what you call it? I dont call it anything, said Isabel; Ive waited for you to give it a name. Thats a consideration you dont always show, Osmond answered after a moment. Ive determined, this time, to try and act as youd like. Ive so often failed of that. Osmond turned his head slowly, looking at her. Are you trying to quarrel with me? No, Im trying to live at peace. Nothings more easy; you know I dont quarrel myself. What do you call it when you try to make me angry? Isabel asked. I dont try; if Ive done so it has been the most natural thing in the world. Moreover Im not in the least trying now. Isabel smiled. It doesnt matter. Ive determined never to be angry again. Thats an excellent resolve. Your temper isnt good. Noits not good. She pushed away the book she had been reading and took up the band of tapestry Pansy had left on the table. Thats partly why Ive not spoken to you about this business of my daughters, Osmond said, designating Pansy in the manner that was most frequent with him. I was afraid I should encounter oppositionthat you too would have views on the subject. Ive sent little Rosier about his business. You were afraid Id plead for Mr Rosier? Havent you noticed that Ive never spoken to you of him? Ive never given you a chance. Weve so little conversation in these days. I know he was an old friend of yours. Yes; hes an old friend of mine. Isabel cared little more for him than for the tapestry that she held in her hand; but it was true that he was an old friend and that with her husband she felt a desire not to extenuate such ties. He had a way of expressing contempt for them which fortified her loyalty to them, even when, as in the present case, they were in themselves insignificant. She sometimes felt a sort of passion of tenderness for memories which had led no other merit than that they belonged to her unmarried life. But as regards Pansy, she added in a moment, Ive given him no encouragement. Thats fortunate, Osmond observed. Fortunate for me, I suppose you mean. For him it matters little. Theres no use talking of him, Osmond said. As I tell you, Ive turned him out. Yes; but a lover outsides always a lover. Hes sometimes even more of one. Mr Rosier still has hope. |
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