She urged Isabel, however, to assent to Ralph's proposal, and assured her that a good introduction to Rome was not a thing to be despised.

Isabel in truth needed no urging, and the party of four arranged its little journey.

Mrs.Touchett, on this occasion, had resigned herself to the absence of a duenna; we have seen that she now inclined to the belief that her niece should stand alone.

One of Isabel's preparations consisted of her seeing Gilbert Osmond before she started and mentioning her intention to him.
"I should like to be in Rome with you," he commented.

"I should like to see you on that wonderful ground." She scarcely faltered.