Page:The Portrait of a Lady (1882).djvu/20

12 12 THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY. "You are very welcome here," he went on. " I am delighted to see you." She was looking at everything, with an eye that denoted quick perception at her companion, at the two dogs, at the two gentlemen under the trees, at the beautiful scene that surrounded her. " I have never seen anything so lovely as this place," she eaid. " I have been all over the house ; it's too enchanting." " I am sorry you should have been here so long without our knowing it." " Your mother told me that in England people arrived very quietly ; so I thought it was all right. Is one of those gentle- men your father ? " " Yes, the elder one the one sitting down," said Ealph. The young girl gave a laugh. " I don't suppose it's the other. Who is the other r' " He is a friend of ours Lord Warburton." " Oh, I hoped there would be a lord ; it's just like a novel ! " And then " you adorable creature ! " she suddenly cried, stooping down and picking up the little terrier again. She remained standing where they had met, making no offer to advance or to speak to Mr. Touchett, and while she lingered in the doorway, slim and charming, her interlocutor wondered whether she expected the old man to come and pay her his respects. American girls were used to a great deal of deference, and it had been intimated that this one had a high spirit. Indeed, Ealph could see that in her face. " Won't you come and make acquaintance with my father 1 " he nevertheless ventured to ask. " He is old and infirm he doesn't leave his chair." " Ah, poor man, I am very sorry ! " the girl exclaimed, immediately moving forward. " I got the impression from your mother that he was rather rather strong." Ealph Touchett was silent a moment. " She has not seen him for a year." " Well, he has got a lovely place to sit. Come along, little dogs." " It's a dear old place," said the young man, looking side wise at his neighbour. " What's his name *? " she asked, her attention having reverted to the terrier again. " My father's name ? " " Yes," said the young lady, humorously ; " but don't tell him I asked you." They had come by this time to where old Mr. Touchett was