of new visitors enter the room. "Remember that when you do come
we count on you!"

Goodwood had meant to go away early, but the evening elapsed
without his having a chance to speak to Isabel otherwise than as
one of several associated interlocutors. There was something
perverse in the inveteracy with which she avoided him; his
unquenchable rancour discovered an intention where there was
certainly no appearance of one. There was absolutely no appearance
of one. She met his eyes with her clear hospitable smile, which
seemed almost to ask that he would come and help her to entertain
some of her visitors. To such suggestions, however, he opposed
but a stiff impatience. He wandered about and waited; he talked
to the few people he knew, who found him for the first time
rather self-contradictory. This was indeed rare with Caspar
Goodwood, though he often contradicted others. There was often
music at Palazzo Roccanera, and it was usually very good. Under
cover of the music he managed to contain himself; but toward the
end, when he saw the people beginning to go, he drew near to
Isabel and asked her in a low tone if he might not speak to her
in one of the other rooms, which he had just assured himself was
empty. She smiled as if she wished to oblige him but found her
self absolutely prevented. "I'm afraid it's impossible. People
are saying good-night, and I must be where they can see me."

"I shall wait till they are all gone then."

She hesitated a moment. "Ah, that will be delightful!" she
exclaimed.