<P> Isabel and Osmond settle in Rome, but their marriage rapidly sours due to Osmond's overwhelming egotism and lack of genuine affection for his wife . Isabel grows fond of Pansy, Osmond's presumed daughter by his first marriage, and wants to grant her wish to marry Edward Rosier, a young art collector . </P> <P> The snobbish Osmond would prefer that Pansy accept the proposal of Warburton, who had previously proposed to Isabel . Isabel suspects, however, that Warburton may just be feigning interest in Pansy to get close to Isabel again, and the conflict creates even more strain within the unhappy marriage . </P> <P> Isabel then learns that Ralph is dying at his estate in England and prepares to go to him for his final hours, but Osmond selfishly opposes this plan . Meanwhile, Isabel learns from her sister - in - law that Pansy is actually the daughter of Madame Merle, who had had an adulterous relationship with Osmond for several years . </P> <P> Isabel pays a final visit to Pansy, who desperately begs her to return someday, which Isabel reluctantly promises to do . She then leaves, without telling her spiteful husband, to comfort the dying Ralph in England, where she remains until his death . </P>

The portrait of a lady isabel archer character