Then, "Why didn't you tell me that?" he asked sharply.
"There was no opportunity. You know how we live. I've taken the
first chance that has offered."
"Did you speak to him of Rosier?"
"Oh yes, a little."
"That was hardly necessary."
"I thought it best he should know, so that, so that-" And Isabel
paused.
"So that what?"
"So that he might act accordingly."
"So that he might back out, do you mean?"
"No, so that he might advance while there's yet time."
"That's not the effect it seems to have had."
"You should have patience," said Isabel. "You know Englishmen are
shy."
"This one's not. He was not when he made love to you."
She had been afraid Osmond would speak of that; it was
disagreeable to her. "I beg your pardon; he was extremely so," she
returned.
He answered nothing for some time; he took up a book and fingered
the pages while she sat silent and occupied herself with Pansy's
tapestry. "You must have a great deal of influence with him," Osmond
went on at last. "The moment you really wish it you can bring him to
the point."
This was more offensive still; but she felt the great naturalness of
his saying it, and it was after all extremely like what she had said
to herself.
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