She prepared to start for Jermyn Street, taking leave first of Ralph Touchett and Isabel, who, seated on garden chairs in another part of the enclosure, were occupied--if the term may be used--with an exchange of amenities less pointed than the practical colloquy of Miss Stackpole and Mr.Bantling.When it had been settled between Isabel and her friend that they should be reunited at some reputable hour at Pratt's Hotel, Ralph remarked that the latter must have a cab.

She couldn't walk all the way to Jermyn Street.
"I suppose you mean it's improper for me to walk alone!" Henrietta exclaimed.

"Merciful powers, have I come to this ?" "There's not the slightest need of your walking alone," Mr.Bantling gaily interposed.

"I should be greatly pleased to go with you." "I simply meant that you'd be late for dinner," Ralph returned.

"Those poor ladies may easily believe that we refuse, at the last, to spare you." "You had better have a hansom, Henrietta," said Isabel.
"I'll get you a hansom if you'll trust me," Mr.Bantling went on.
"We might walk a little till we meet one." "I don't see why I shouldn't trust him, do you ?" Henrietta enquired of Isabel.
"I don't see what Mr.Bantling could do to you," Isabel obligingly answered; "but, if you like, we'll walk with you till you find your cab." "Never mind; we'll go alone.