“I’m not to be amused. That’s not what papa wishes.”
“Then it hardly matters whether I’m in Rome or in England.”
“You’re not happy, Mrs. Osmond,” said Pansy.
“Not very. But it doesn’t matter.”
“That’s what I say to myself. What does it matter? But I should like to come out.”
“I wish indeed you might.”
“Don’t leave me here,” Pansy went on gently.
Isabel said nothing for a minute; her heart beat fast. “Will you come away with me now?” she asked.
Pansy looked at her pleadingly. “Did papa tell you to bring me?”
“No; it’s my own proposal.”