The Portrait of a Lady: Chapter 18 Summary & Analysis

Isabel and Ralph have arrived at Gardencourt to be with the ailing Mr. Touchett. Isabel finds an unknown woman playing a piano in the house. The newcomer appears French, but upon introducing herself is revealed to be an American expatriate and friend of Mrs. Touchett’s named Madame Merle. About forty years old, Merle lives in Florence and appears to Isabel a sophisticated and intelligent woman. Isabel immediately admires her very much.

Isabel goes to ask her cousin about Madame Merle, with Ralph revealing that he was at one time in love with the older woman, although her husband was still alive at that time. He still thinks that she is “the cleverest woman [he] knows,” and knows that his mother also thinks unusually highly of Merle. Ralph states that “the husband of Madame Merle would be likely to pass away” and that Merle “fortunately” has no children. Isabel brands him as “odious.”

Ralph’s attention shifts back to his father’s poor condition. Despite the local doctor and Sir Matthew Hope’s attentions, Mr. Touchett has grown increasingly feeble and spends most of his time sleeping.

The following day, Mr. Touchett wakes for a while, and it is Ralph who is on watch beside him. Mr. Touchett knows his time is near and tells Ralph that he is proud of his son’s bright personality. He advises that Ralph must look after his mother once Mr. Touchett passes away and also find a worthy life interest. He also assures that his son and wife will be well-off after his death.

Ralph alludes to a previous conversation the two men have held about Ralph needing very little money for the rest of his short and infirm life, imploring Mr. Touchett to leave a decent proportion of his wealth to “some good use.” Mr. Touchett has still left Ralph more money that he wants—in fact, “there will be enough for two”—as the elderly father desires Ralph to marry.

Mr. Touchett carries on, asking Ralph what he thinks of Isabel. After jerking in surprise, Ralph laughs at Mr. Touchett’s hint that he should marry his cousin. He then admits that he adores Isabel; Mr. Touchett reveals Isabel likes Ralph too. Ralph will not approach Isabel regarding marriage because of his illness.

Ralph would, however, like to support Isabel in her life desires. Mr. Touchett, who has also admitted his great fondness for his niece, states that he has left Isabel 5,000 pounds in his will. Ralph is pleased by his father’s intentions, but requests that more of his own inheritance is awarded to Isabel so that she will never need to marry for financial security and can always protect her personal freedom. He believes that securing her financial freedom is a worthy cause in allowing such a noble individual to carry out her desires. Ralph has also realized that his cousin is very naïve regarding finances; she does not understand how little money she has.

Mr. Touchett recognizes that a legacy of some 60,000 pounds would tie Isabel to the risk of social predators targeting her money. Ralph believes this potential danger is a small price to pay for his cousin’s secured independence.