Page 512 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

‘But I don’t know how you know it, if you haven’t asked
her,’ Madame Merle went on.
‘In such a case there’s no need of asking and telling; as
you say, we’re an innocent couple. How did you know it?’
‘I who am not innocent? By being very crafty. Leave it to
me; I’ll find out for you.’
Rosier got up and stood smoothing his hat. ‘You say that
rather coldly.
Don’t simply find out how it is, but try to make it as it
should be.’
‘I’ll do my best. I’ll try to make the most of your advan-
tages.’
‘Thank you so very much. Meanwhile then I’ll say a word
to Mrs.
Osmond.’
‘Gardez-vous-en bien!’ And Madame Merle was on her
feet. ‘Don’t set her going, or you’ll spoil everything.’
Rosier gazed into his hat; he wondered whether his host-
ess had been after all the right person to come to. ‘I don’t
think I understand you. I’m an old friend of Mrs. Osmond,
and I think she would like me to succeed.’
‘Be an old friend as much as you like; the more old friends
she has the better, for she doesn’t get on very well with some
of her new. But don’t for the present try to make her take
up the cudgels for you. Her husband may have other views,
and, as a person who wishes her well, I advise you not to
multiply points of difference between them.’
Poor Rosier’s face assumed an expression of alarm; a suit
for the hand of Pansy Osmond was even a more complicated

512 The Portrait of a Lady