Mr. Osmond has never scrambled nor struggled he has cared for no
worldly prize. If that's to be narrow, if that's to be selfish, then
it's very well. I'm not frightened by such words, I'm not even
displeased; I'm only sorry that you should make a mistake. Others
might have done so, but I'm surprised that you should. You might
know a gentleman when you see one-you might know a fine mind. Mr.
Osmond makes no mistakes! He knows everything, he understands
everything, he has the kindest, gentlest, highest spirit. You've got
hold of some false idea. It's a pity, but I can't help it; it
regards you more than me." Isabel paused a moment, looking at her
cousin with an eye illumined by a sentiment which contradicted the
careful calmness of her manner-a mingled sentiment, to which the angry
pain excited by his words and the wounded pride of having needed to
justify a choice of which she felt only the nobleness and purity,
equally contributed. Though she paused Ralph said nothing; he saw
she had more to say. She was grand, but she was highly solicitous; she
was indifferent, but she was all in a passion. "What sort of a
person should you have liked me to marry?" she asked suddenly.
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