Page:The Portrait of a Lady (1882).djvu/498

490 490 THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY. Isabel wondered what it could be to talk about, and in spite of Madame Merle's declaration she answered after a moment- " Madame Catherine says it's enough." " Yes ; it also seems to me enough. I wanted to ask you another word about poor Mr. Touchett," Madame Merle added. " Have you reason to believe that he is really at his last ? " " I have no information but a telegram. Unfortunately it only confirms a probability." " I am going to ask you a strange question," said Madame Merle. " Are you very fond of your cousin 1 " And she gave a smile as strange as her question. " Yes, I am very fond of him. But I don't understand, you." Madame Merle hesitated a moment. " It is difficult to explain. Something has occurred to me which may not have occurred to you, and I give you the benefit of my idea. Your cousin did you once a great service. Have you never guessed it 1 " " He has done me many services." " Yes ; but one was much above the rest. He made you a rich woman." " He made me ? " Madame Merle appeared to see herself successful, and she went on, more triumphantly " He imparted to you that extra lustre which was required to make you a brilliant match. At bottom, it is him that you have to thank." She stopped; there was something in Isabel's eyes. " I don't understand you. It was my uncle's money." " Yes ; it was your uncle's money ; but it was your cousin's idea. He brought his father over to it. Ah, my dear, the sum was large ! " Isabel stood staring; she seemed to-day to be living in a world illumined by lurid flashes. " I don't know why you say such things ! I don't know what you know." " I know nothing but what I IK ve guessed. But I have guessed that." Isabel went to the door, and when she had opened it stood a moment with her hand on the latch. Then she said it was her only revenge " I believed it was you I had to thank ! " Madame Merle dropped her eyes ; she stood there in a kind of proud penance. " You are very unhappy, I know. But I am more so."