THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY. 397 " Hear of him ? I know him very well. Do you consider him very smart ? " Henrietta inquired. " I don't know him, but I am told he is extremely grand seigneur. He is making love to Isabel." " Making love to her ? " " So I'm told ; I don't know the details," said the Countess lightly. "But Isabel is pretty safe." Henrietta gazed earnestly at her companion; for a moment she said nothing. " When do you go to Rome 1 " she inquired, abruptly. " Not for a week, I am afraid." "I shall go to-morrow," Henrietta said. "I think I had better not wait." " Dear me, I am sorry ; I am having some dresses made. I am told Isabel receives immensely. But I shall see you there ; I shall call on you at your pension" Henrietta sat still she was lost in thought ; and suddenly the Countess cried, " Ah, but if you don't go with me you can't describe our journey ! " Miss Stackpole seemed unmoved by this consideration ; she was thinking of something else, and she presently expressed it. " I am not sure that I understand you about Lord War- burton." " Understand me 1 I mean he's very nice, that's all." " Do you consider it nice to make love to married women 1 " Henrietta inquired, softly. The Countess stared, and then, with a little violent laugh " It's certain that all the nice men do it. Get married and you'll see ! " she added. " That idea would be enough to prevent me," said Miss Stack- pole. " I should want my own husband ; I shouldn't want any one else's. Do you mean that Isabel is guilty is guilty " aud she paused a little, choosing her expression. "Do I mean she's guilty 1 Oh dear no, not yet, I hope. I only mean that Osmond is very tiresome, and that Lord War- bUrton is, as I hear, a great deal at the house. I'm afraid you are scandalised." " No, I am very anxious," Henrietta said. " Ah, you are not very complimentary to Isabel ! You should have more confidence. I tell you," the Countess added quickly, " if it will be a comfort to you I will engage to draw him off." Miss Stackpole answered at first only with the deeper solemnity of her eyes. " You don't understand me," she said after a while. " I haven't the idea that you seem to suppose. I am not afraid for
