The Portrait of a Lady

Edward Rosier visits Madame Merle the next day and is surprised that she forgives him so easily for breaking his promise to her. She advises Rosier that he must be patient and his chance could arise to marry Pansy. She also suggests that the young man refrains from visiting her house regularly.

After skipping one of Isabel’s Thursday evening events, Rosier attends the next one. He talks with Osmond again, who advises that his daughter, Pansy, does not love or even care for Rosier in the slightest.

Rosier seeks out Isabel once more to discuss his predicament. She secretively assures him that Pansy still returns his romantic feelings. During their conversation, Lord Warburton arrives to speak to Isabel. The nobleman tells her that Ralph has accompanied him to Rome, but is too tired to leave their hotel rooms. In fact, Ralph’s health has declined again. Isabel vows to see Ralph the next morning.

Having not seen Lord Warburton since she has been married—in fact it has been four years since their last encounter—Isabel is impressed that he seems to bear no ill will against her. Warburton enquires after her happiness, with Isabel not giving an honest answer. He says that he may himself still marry at some point in his life. Warburton then points out the “charming face” of a young lady nearby. Isabel tells him that it is her stepdaughter, Pansy, and that she will introduce them.

Meanwhile, Edward Rosier asks Pansy if her feelings toward him have changed. She answers truthfully that they have not, but Osmond has forbidden her from speaking to Rosier. She plans to ask the fearless Isabel to help her change her father’s mind and asks Rosier to be patient. Isabel interrupts the conversation, bringing over Lord Warburton to introduce him to Pansy.