CHAPTER 39
It will probably not surprise the reflective reader that Ralph
Touchett should have seen less of his cousin since her marriage than
he had done before that event of which he took such a view as could
hardly prove a confirmation of intimacy. He had uttered his thought,
as we know, and after this had held his peace, Isabel not having
invited him to resume a discussion which marked an era in their
relations. That discussion had made a difference-the difference he
feared rather than the one he hoped. It had not chilled the girl's
zeal in carrying out her engagement, but it had come dangerously
near to spoiling a friendship. No reference was ever again made
between them to Ralph's opinion of Gilbert Osmond, and by
surrounding this topic with a sacred silence they managed to
preserve a semblance of reciprocal frankness. But there was a
difference, as Ralph often said to himself-there was a difference. She
had not forgiven him, she never would forgive him: that was all he had
gained. She thought she had forgiven him; she believed she didn't
care; and as she was both very generous and very proud these
convictions represented a certain reality.
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