I give this little sketch of its articles for what they may at the time have been worth.
It was certain that he was very skilful in fitting the facts to his theory--even the fact that during the month he spent in Rome at this period the husband of the woman he loved appeared to regard him not in the least as an enemy.
For Gilbert Osmond Ralph had not now that importance.

It was not that he had the importance of a friend; it was rather that he had none at all.
He was Isabel's cousin and he was rather unpleasantly ill--it was on this basis that Osmond treated with him.

He made the proper enquiries, asked about his health, about Mrs.Touchett, about his opinion of winter climates, whether he were comfortable at his hotel.

He addressed him, on the few occasions of their meeting, not a word that was not necessary; but his manner had always the urbanity proper to conscious success in the presence of conscious failure.

For all this, Ralph had had, toward the end, a sharp inward vision of Osmond's making it of small ease to his wife that she should continue to receive Mr.Touchett.He was not jealous--he had not that excuse; no one could be jealous of Ralph.