"I think Mrs. Osmond would favour me."
"Very likely-if her husband doesn't."
He raised his eyebrows. "Does she take the opposite line from him?"
"In everything. They think quite differently."
"Well," said Rosier, "I'm sorry for that; but it's none of my
business.
She's very fond of Pansy."
"Yes, she's very fond of Pansy."
"And Pansy has a great affection for her. She has told me how she
loves her as if she were her own mother."
"You must, after all, have had some very intimate talk with the poor
child," said Madame Merle. "Have you declared your sentiments?"
"Never!" cried Rosier, lifting his neatly-gloved hand. "Never till
I've assured myself of those of the parents."
"You always wait for that? You've excellent principles; you
observe the proprieties."
"I think you're laughing at me," the young man murmured, dropping
back in his chair and feeling his small moustache. "I didn't expect
that of you, Madame Merle."
She shook her head calmly, like a person who saw things as she saw
them. "You don't do me justice. I think your conduct in excellent
taste and the best you could adopt. Yes, that's what I think.
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