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145 THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY. 145 Bedfordshire, and if Isabel cared to look out for her impressions in the Interviewer, she would certainly find them. Henrietta was evidently going to see something of the inner life this time. "Do you know where you are drifting, Henrietta Stackpolel " Isabel asked, imitating the tone in which her friend had spoken the night before. " I am drifting to a big position that of queen of American journalism. If my next letter isn't copied all over the West, I'll swallow my pen- wiper ! " She had arranged with her friend Miss Annie Climber, the young lady of the continental offers, that they should go together to make those purchases which were to constitute Miss Climber's farewell to a hemisphere in which she at least had been appreci- ated ; and she presently repaired to Jermyn Street to pick up her companion. Shortly after her departure Ealph Touclfett was announced, and as soon as he came in Isabel saw that he had something on his mind. He very soon took his cousin into his confidence. He had received a telegram from his mother, telling him that his father had had a sharp attack of his old malady, that she was much alarmed, and that she begged Ralph would instantly return to Gardencourt. On this occa- sion, at least, Mrs. Touchett's devotion to the electric wire had nothing incongruous. " I have judged it best to see the great doctor, Sir Matthew Hope, first," Ealph said ; " by great good luck he's in town. He is to see me at half-past twelve, and I shall make sure of his coming down to Gardencourt which he will do the more readily as he has already seen my father several times, both there and in London. There is an express at two-forty-five, which I shall take, and you will come back with me, or remain here a few days longer, exactly as you prefer." " I will go with you ! " Isabel exclaimed. " I don't suppose I can be of any use to my uncle, but if he is ill I should like to be near him." "I think you like him," said Ralph, with a certain shy pleasure in his eye. " You appreciate him, which all the world hasn't done. The quality is too fine." " I think I love him," said Isabel, simply. " That's very well. After his son, he is your greatest admirer." Isabel welcomed this assurance, but she gave secretly a little sigh of relief at the thought that Mr. Touchett was one of those admirers who could not propose to marry her. This, however, was not what she said ; she went on to inform Ralph that there were other reasons why she should not remain in London. She L