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‘That’s what I’ve told monsieur,’ sister Catherine an-
swered. ‘It’s precisely to fit her for the world,’ she murmured,
glancing at Pansy, who stood, at a little distance, attentive to
Madame Merle’s elegant apparel.
‘Do you hear that, Pansy? You’re very naturally meant
for the world,’ said Pansy’s father.
The child fixed him an instant with her pure young eyes.
‘Am I not meant for you, papa?’
Papa gave a quick, light laugh. ‘That doesn’t prevent it!
I’m of the world, Pansy.’
‘Kindly permit us to retire,’ said sister Catherine. ‘Be
good and wise and happy in any case, my daughter.’
‘I shall certainly come back and see you,’ Pansy returned,
recommencing her embraces, which were presently inter-
rupted by Madame Merle.
‘Stay with me, dear child,’ she said, ‘while your father
takes the good ladies to the door.’
Pansy stared, disappointed, yet not protesting. She was
evidently impregnated with the idea of submission, which
was due to any one who took the tone of authority; and she
was a passive spectator of the operation of her fate. ‘May I
not see Mamman Catherine get into the carriage?’ she nev-
ertheless asked very gently.
‘It would please me better if you’d remain with me,’ said
Madame Merle, while Mr. Osmond and his companions,
who had bowed low again to the other visitor, passed into
the ante-chamber.
‘Oh yes, I’ll stay,’ Pansy answered; and she stood near
Madame Merle, surrendering her little hand, which this

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