Then my wife and I do so many things together. We read, we study, we
make music, we walk, we drive-we talk even, as when we first knew each
other. I delight, to this hour, in my wife's conversation. If you're
ever bored take my advice and get married. Your wife indeed may bore
you, in that case; but you'll never bore yourself. You'll always
have something to say to yourself-always have a subject of
reflection."
"I'm not bored," said Goodwood. "I've plenty to think about and to
say to myself."
"More than to say to others!" Osmond exclaimed with a light laugh.
"Where shall you go next? I mean after you've consigned Touchett to
his natural caretakers-I believe his mother's at last coming back to
look after him. That little lady's superb; she neglects her duties
with a finish-! Perhaps you'll spend the summer in England?"
"I don't know. I've no plans."
"Happy man! That's a little bleak, but it's very free."
"Oh yes, I'm very free."
"Free to come back to Rome I hope," said Osmond as he saw a group of
new visitors enter the room. "Remember that when you do come we
count on you!"
Goodwood had meant to go away early, but the evening elapsed without
his having a chance to speak to Isabel otherwise than as one of
several associated interlocutors.
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