She had come- she had come; but she had
stayed only an hour. She rose quickly from the music-stool; even then,
however, she lingered a moment, still holding her small companion,
drawing the child's sweet slimness closer and looking down at her
almost in envy. She was obliged to confess it to herself- she would
have taken a passionate pleasure in talking of Gilbert Osmond to
this innocent, diminutive creature who was so near him. But she said
no other word; she only kissed Pansy once again. They went together
through the vestibule, to the door that opened on the court; and there
her young hostess stopped, looking rather wistfully beyond. "I may
go no further. I've promised papa not to pass this door."
"You're right to obey him; he'll never ask you anything
unreasonable."
"I shall always obey him. But when will you come again?"
"Not for a long time, I'm afraid."
"As soon as you can, I hope. I'm only a little girl," said Pansy,
"but I shall always expect you." And the small figure stood in the
high, dark doorway, watching Isabel cross the clear, grey court and
disappear into the brightness beyond the big portone, which gave a
wider dazzle as it opened.
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