I should like to see your idea of an interesting woman, said his friend.
My dear fellow, you cant see ideasespecially such highly ethereal ones as mine. If I could only see it myselfthat would be a great step in advance.
Well, you may fall in love with whomsoever you please; but you mustnt fall in love with my niece, said the old man.
His son broke into a laugh. Hell think you mean that as a provocation! My dear father, youve lived with the English for thirty years, and youve picked up a good many of the things they say. But youve never learned the things they dont say!
I say what I please, the old man returned with all his serenity.
I havent the honour of knowing your niece, Lord Warburton said. I think its the first time Ive heard of her.
Shes a niece of my wifes; Mrs. Touchett brings her to England.
Then young Mr. Touchett explained. My mother, you know, has been spending the winter in America, and were expecting her back. She writes that she has discovered a niece and that she has invited her to come out with her.
I see,very kind of her, said Lord Warburton. Is the young lady interesting?
We hardly know more about her than you; my mother has not gone into details. She chiefly communicates with us by means of telegrams, and her telegrams are rather inscrutable. They say women dont know how to write them, but my mother has thoroughly mastered the art of condensation. Tired America, hot weather awful, return England with niece, first steamer decent cabin. Thats the sort of message we get from herthat was the last that came. But there had been another before, which I think contained the first mention of the niece. Changed hotel, very bad, impudent clerk, address here. Taken sisters girl, died last year, go to Europe, two sisters, quite independent. Over that my father and I have scarcely stopped puzzling; it seems to admit of so many interpretations.
Theres one thing very clear in it, said the old man; she has given the hotel-clerk a dressing.
Im not sure even of that, since he has driven her from the field. We thought at first that the sister mentioned might be the sister of the clerk; but the subsequent mention of a niece seems to prove that the allusion is to one of my aunts. Then there was a question as to whose the two other sisters were; they are probably two of my late aunts daughters. But whos quite independent, and in what sense is the term used?that points not yet settled. Does the expression apply more particularly to the young lady my mother has adopted, or does it characterise her sisters equally?and is it used in a moral or in a financial sense? Does it mean that theyve been left well off, or that they wish to be under no obligations? or does it simply mean that theyre fond of their own way?
Whatever else it means, its pretty sure to mean that, Mr. Touchett remarked.
Youll see for yourself, said Lord Warburton. When does Mrs. Touchett arrive?
Were quite in the dark; as soon as she can find a decent cabin. She may be waiting for it yet; on the other hand she may already have disembarked in England.
In that case she would probably have telegraphed to you.
She never telegraphs when you would expect itonly when you dont, said the old man. She likes to drop on me suddenly; she thinks shell find me doing something wrong. She has never done so yet, but shes not discouraged.
Its her share in the family trait, the independence she speaks of. Her sons appreciation of the matter was more favourable. Whatever the high spirit of those young ladies may be, her own is a match for it. She likes to do everything for herself and has no belief in any ones power to help her. She thinks me of no more use than a postage-stamp without gum, and she would never forgive me if I should presume to go to Liverpool to meet her.
Will you at least let me know when your cousin arrives? Lord Warburton asked.
Only on the condition Ive mentionedthat you dont fall in love with her! Mr. Touchett replied.
That strikes me as hard, dont you think me good enough?
I think you too goodbecause I shouldnt like her to marry you. She hasnt come here to look for a husband, I hope; so many young ladies are doing that, as if there were no good ones at home. Then shes probably engaged; American girls are usually engaged, I believe. Moreover Im not sure, after all, that youd be a remarkable husband.
Very likely shes engaged; Ive known a good many American girls, and they always were; but I could never see that it made any difference, upon my word! As for my being a good husband, Mr. Touchetts visitor pursued, Im not sure of that either. One can but try!
Try as much as you please, but dont try on my niece, smiled the old man, whose opposition to the idea was broadly humorous.
Ah, well, said Lord Warburton with a humour broader still, perhaps, after all, shes not worth trying on!
CHAPTER II
While this exchange of pleasantries took place between the two Ralph Touchett wandered away a little, with his usual slouching gait, his hands in his pockets and his little rowdyish terrier at his heels. His face was turned toward the house, but his eyes were bent musingly on the lawn; so that he had been an object of observation to a person who had just made her appearance in the ample doorway for some moments before he perceived her. His attention was called to her by the conduct of his dog, who had suddenly darted forward with a little volley of shrill barks, in which the note of welcome, however, was more sensible than that of defiance. The person in question was a young lady, who seemed immediately to interpret the greeting of the small beast. He advanced with great rapidity and stood at her feet, looking up and barking hard; whereupon, without hesitation, she stooped and caught him in her hands, holding him face to face while he continued his quick chatter. His master now had had time to follow and to see that Bunchies new friend was a tall girl in a black dress, who at first sight looked pretty. She was bareheaded, as if she were staying in the housea fact which conveyed perplexity to the son of its master, conscious of that immunity from visitors which had for some time been rendered necessary by the latters ill-health. Meantime the two other gentlemen had also taken note of the new-comer.
Dear me, whos that strange woman? Mr. Touchett had asked.
Perhaps its Mrs. Touchetts niecethe independent young lady, Lord Warburton suggested. I think she must be, from the way she handles the dog.
The collie, too, had now allowed his attention to be diverted, and he trotted toward the young lady in the doorway, slowly setting his tail in motion as he went.
But wheres my wife then? murmured the old man.
I suppose the young lady has left her somewhere: thats a part of the independence.
The girl spoke to Ralph, smiling, while she still held up the terrier. Is this your little dog, sir?
He was mine a moment ago; but youve suddenly acquired a remarkable air of property in him.
Couldnt we share him? asked the girl. Hes such a perfect little darling.
Ralph looked at her a moment; she was unexpectedly pretty. You may have him altogether, he then replied.