"I've
never seen anything so lovely as this place. I've been all over the
house; it's too enchanting."
"I"m sorry you should have been here so long without our knowing
it."
"Your mother told me that in England people arrived very quietly; so
I thought it was all right. Is one of those gentlemen your father?"
"Yes, the elder one- the one sitting down," said Ralph.
The girl gave a laugh. "I don't suppose it's the other. Who's the
other?"
"He's a friend of ours- Lord Warburton."
"Oh, I hoped there would be a lord; it's just like a novel!" And
then, "Oh you adorable creature!" she suddenly cried, stooping down
and picking up the small dog again.
She remained standing where they had met, making no offer to advance
or to speak to Mr. Touchett, and while she lingered so near the
threshold, slim and charming, her interlocutor wondered if she
expected the old man to come and pay her his respects. American
girls were used to a great deal of deference, and it had been
intimated that this one had a high spirit. Indeed, Ralph could see
that in her face.
"Won't you come and make acquaintance with my father?" he
nevertheless ventured to ask.
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