Page 528 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

‘Perfectly. Pansy has thought a great deal about him; but
I don’t suppose you consider that that matters.’
‘I don’t consider it matters at all; but neither do I believe
she has thought of him.’
‘That opinion’s more convenient,’ said Madame Merle
quietly.
‘Has she told you she’s in love with him?’
‘For what do you take her? And for what do you take me?’
Madame Merle added in a moment.
Osmond had raised his foot and was resting his slim
ankle on the other knee; he clasped his ankle in his hand
familiarly-his long, fine forefinger and thumb could make a
ring for it-and gazed a while before him. ‘This kind of thing
doesn’t find me unprepared. It’s what I educated her for. It
was all for this-that when such a case should come up she
should do what I prefer.’
‘I’m not afraid that she’ll not do it.’
‘Well then, where’s the hitch?’
‘I don’t see any. But, all the same, I recommend you not
to get rid of Mr.
Rosier. Keep him on hand; he may be useful.’
‘I can’t keep him. Keep him yourself.’
‘Very good; I’ll put him into a corner and allow him so
much a day.’ Madame Merle had, for the most part, while
they talked, been glancing about her; it was her habit in this
situation, just as it was her habit to interpose a good many
blank-looking pauses. A long drop followed the last words
I have quoted; and before it had ended she saw Pansy come
out of the adjoining room, followed by Edward Rosier. The

528 The Portrait of a Lady