THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY. 293 " I shall set the fashion then. What does one marry for? " " What you will marry for, heaven only knows. People usually marry as they go into partnership to set up a house. But in your partnership you will bring everything." " Is it that Mr. Osmond is not rich 1 Is that what you are talking about 1 " Isabel asked. u He has no money ; he has no name ; he has no importance. I value such things and I have the courage to say it ; I think they are very precious. Many other people think the same, and they show it. But they give some other reason ! " Isabel hesitated a little. " I think I value everything that is valuable. I care very much for money, and that is why I wish Mr. Osmond to have some." " Give it to him, then ; but marry some one else." " His name is good enough for me," the girl went on. " It's a very pretty name. Have I such a fine one myself 1 " "All the more reason you should improve on it. There are only a dozen American names. Do you marry him out of charity]" " It was my duty to tell you, Aunt Lydia, but I don't think it is my duty to explain to you. Even if it were, I shouldn't be able. So please don't. remonstrate ; in talking about it you have me at a disadvantage. I can't talk about it." " I don't remonstrate, I simply answer you ; I must give some sign of intelligence. I saw it coming, and I said nothing. I never meddle." " You never do, and I am greatly obliged to you. You have been very considerate." " It was not considerate it was convenient," said Mrs. Touchett. " But I shall talk to Madame Merle." " I don't see why you keep bringing her in. She has been a very good friend to me." " Possibly ; but she has been a poor one to me." " What has she done to you 1 " " She has deceived me. She had as good as promised me to prevent your engagement." " She couldn't have prevented it." " She can do anything ; that is what I have always liked her for. I knew she could play any part; but I understood that she played them one by one. I didn't understand that she would play two at the same time." " I don't know what part she may have played to you," Isabel said ; " that is between yourselves. To me she has been honest, and kind, and devoted."
