said to you then is just as true. This instant at which I speak to you
shows me again exactly how, to my great misfortune, you just insuperably
charm me. There--I can't say less. I don't mean, however, to insist;
it's only for a moment. I may add that when I came upon you a few
minutes since, without the smallest idea of seeing you, I was, upon
my honour, in the very act of wishing I knew where you were." He had
recovered his self-control, and while he spoke it became complete. He
might have been addressing a small committee--making all quietly and
clearly a statement of importance; aided by an occasional look at a
paper of notes concealed in his hat, which he had not again put on. And
the committee, assuredly, would have felt the point proved.

"I've often thought of you, Lord Warburton," Isabel answered. "You may
be sure I shall always do that." And she added in a tone of which she
tried to keep up the kindness and keep down the meaning: "There's no
harm in that on either side."

They walked along together, and she was prompt to ask about his sisters
and request him to let them know she had done so. He made for the moment
no further reference to their great question, but dipped again into
shallower and safer waters. But he wished to know when she was to leave
Rome, and on her mentioning the limit of her stay declared he was glad
it was still so distant.

"Why do you say that if you yourself are only passing through?" she
enquired with some anxiety.

"Ah, when I said I was passing through I didn't mean that one would
treat Rome as if it were Clapham Junction. To pass through Rome is to
stop a week or two."

"Say frankly that you mean to stay as long as I do!"

His flushed smile, for a little, seemed to sound her. "You won't like
that. You're afraid you'll see too much of me."

"It doesn't matter what I like. I certainly can't expect you to leave
this delightful place on my account. But I confess I'm afraid of you."

"Afraid I'll begin again? I promise to be very careful."

They had gradually stopped and they stood a moment face to face. "Poor
Lord Warburton!" she said with a compassion intended to be good for both
of them.

"Poor Lord Warburton indeed! But I'll be careful."

"You may be unhappy, but you shall not make ME so. That I can't allow."

"If I believed I could make you unhappy I think I should try it." At
this she walked in advance and he also proceeded. "I'll never say a word
to displease you.