THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY. 125 Mr. Bantling promised to do his best, and the two took'their departure, leaving Isabel and her cousin standing in the square, over which a clear September twilight had now begun to gather. It was perfectly still ; the wide quadrangle of dusky houses showed lights in none of the windows, where the shutters and blinds were closed ; the pavements were a vacant expanse, and putting aside two small children from a neighbouring slum, who, attracted by symptoms of abnormal animation in the interior, were squeezing their necks between the rusty railings of the inclosure, the most vivid object within sight was the big red pillar-post on the south-east corner. " Henrietta will ask him to get into the cab and go with her to Jermyn Street," Ealph observed. He always spoke of Miss Stack polQ as Henrietta. ""Very possibly," said his companion. " Or rather, no, she won't," he went on. " But Bantling will ask leave to get in." "Very likely again. I am very glad they are such good friends." " She has made a conquest. He thinks her a brilliant woman. It may go far," said Ralph. Isabel was silent a moment. " I call Henrietta a very brilliant woman ; but I don't think it will go far," she rejoined at last. " They would never really know each other. He has not the least idea what she really is, and she has no just comprehension of Mr. Bantling." " There is no more usual basis of matrimony than a mutual misunderstanding. But it ought not to be so difficult to under- stand Bob Bantling," Ralph added. " He is a very simple fellow." " Yes, but Henrietta is simpler still. And pray, what am I to do 1 " Isabel asked, looking about her through the fading light, in which the limited landscape-gardening of the square took on 11 large and effective appearance. " I don't imagine that you will propose that you and I, for our amusement, should drive about London in a hansom." " There is no reason why we, should not stay here if you don't dislike it. It is very warm ; there will be half-an-hour yet before dark ; and if you permit it, I will light a cigarette." " You may do what you please," said Isabel, " if you will amuse me till seven o'clock. I propose at that hour to go back and partake of a simple and solitary repast two poached eggs and a muffin at Pratt's Hotel." " May I not dine with you ? " Ralph asked.
