I think it will be a good thing for
you. Serena Merle hasn't a fault."
"If I didn't already like her very much that description might alarm
me," Isabel returned.
"She's never the least little bit 'off.' I've brought you out here
and I wish to do the best for you. Your sister Lily told me she
hoped I would give you plenty of opportunities. I give you one in
putting you in relation with Madame Merle. She's one of the most
brilliant women in Europe."
"I like her better than I like your description of her," Isabel
persisted in saying.
"Do you flatter yourself that you'll ever feel her open to
criticism? I hope you'll let me know when you do."
"That will be cruel- to you," said Isabel.
"You needn't mind me. You won't discover a fault in her."
"Perhaps not. But I dare say I shan't miss it."
"She knows absolutely everything on earth there is to know," said
Mrs. Touchett.
Isabel after this observed to their companion that she hoped she
knew Mrs. Touchett considered she hadn't a speck on her perfection. On
which "I'm obliged to you," Madame Merle replied, "but I'm afraid your
aunt imagines, or at least alludes to, no aberrations that the
clock-face doesn't register.
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