behind him and his eyes lowered. For some moments he said nothing; and then, ‘Is it true you’re going to London?’ he asked.

‘I believe it has been arranged.’

‘And when shall you come back?’

‘In a few days; but probably for a very short time. I’m going to Paris with my aunt.’

‘When, then, shall I see you again?’

‘Not for a good while,’ said Isabel. ‘But some day or other, I hope.’

‘Do you really hope it?’

‘Very much.’

He went a few steps in silence; then he stopped and put out his hand. ‘Good-bye.’

‘Good-bye,’ said Isabel.

Miss Molyneux kissed her again, and she let the two depart. After it, without rejoining Henrietta and Ralph, she retreated to her own room; in which apartment, before dinner, she was found by Mrs Touchett, who had stopped on her way to the saloon. ‘I may as well tell you,’ said that lady, ‘that you uncle has informed me of your relations with Lord Warburton.’

Isabel considered. ‘Relations? They’re hardly relations. That’s the strange part of it: he has seen me but three or four times.’

‘Why did you tell your uncle rather than me?’ Mrs Touchett dispassionately asked.

Again the girl hesitated. ‘Because he knows Lord Warburton better.’

‘Yes, but I know you better.’

‘I’m not sure of that,’ said Isabel, smiling.

‘Neither am I, after all; especially when you give me that rather conceited look. One would think you were awfully pleased with yourself and had carried off a prize! I suppose that when you refuse an offer like Lord Warburton’s it’s because you expect to do something better.’

‘Ah, my uncle didn’t say that!’ cried Isabel, smiling still.