Gilbert Osmond had a high appreciation of this particular
patriciate; not so much for its distinction, which he thought easily
surpassable, as for its solid actuality. He had never forgiven his
star for not appointing him to an English dukedom, and he could
measure the unexpectedness of such conduct as Isabel's. It would be
proper that the woman he might marry should have done something of
that sort.
CHAPTER 29
Ralph Touchett, in talk with his excellent friend, had rather
markedly qualified, as we know, his recognition of Gilbert Osmond's
personal merits; but he might really have felt himself illiberal in
the light of that gentleman's conduct during the rest of the visit
to Rome. Osmond spent a portion of each day with Isabel and her
companions, and ended by affecting them as the easiest of men to
live with. Who wouldn't have seen that he could command, as it were,
both tact and gaiety?- which perhaps was exactly why Ralph had made
his old-time look of superficial sociability a reproach to him. Even
Isabel's invidious kinsman was obliged to admit that he was just now a
delightful associate. His good-humour was imperturbable, his knowledge
of the right fact, his production of the right word, as convenient
as the friendly flicker of a match for your cigarette.
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