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business than his taste for proper transitions had allowed.
But the extreme good sense which he concealed under a
surface suggesting that of a careful owner’s ‘best set’ came
to his assistance. ‘I don’t see that I’m bound to consider Mr.
Osmond so very much!’ he exclaimed.
‘No, but you should consider her. You say you’re an old
friend. Would you make her suffer?’
‘Not for the world.’
‘Then be very careful, and let the matter alone till I’ve
taken a few soundings.’
‘Let the matter alone, dear Madame Merle? Remember
that I’m in love.’
‘Oh, you won’t burn up! Why did you come to me, if
you’re not to heed what I say?’
‘You’re very kind; I’ll be very good,’ the young man prom-
ised. ‘But I’m afraid Mr. Osmond’s pretty hard,’ he added in
his mild voice as he went to the door.
Madame Merle gave a short laugh. ‘It has been said be-
fore. But his wife isn’t easy either.’
‘Ah, she’s a splendid woman!’ Ned Rosier repeated, for
departure.
He resolved that his conduct should be worthy of an as-
pirant who was already a model of discretion; but he saw
nothing in any pledge he had given Madame Merle that
made it improper he should keep himself in spirits by an
occasional visit to Miss Osmond’s home. He reflected con-
stantly on what his adviser had said to him, and turned over
in his mind the impression of her rather circumspect tone.
He had gone to her de confiance, as they put it in Paris; but

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