"Surely—I have given her the advantage of making your acquaintance."
"That, indeed," cried the Countess, with a laugh, "is perhaps the best thing that could happen to her!"
Madame Merle said nothing for some time. The Countess's manner was impertinent, but she did not suffer this to discompose her; and with her eyes upon the violet slope of Monte Morello she gave herself up to reflection.
"My dear lady," she said at last, "I advise you not to agitate yourself. The matter you allude to concerns three persons much stronger of purpose than yourself."
"Three persons? You and Osmond, of course. But is Miss Archer also very strong of purpose?"
"Quite as much so as we."
"Ah then," said the Countess radiantly, "if I convince her it's her interest to resist you, she will do so successfully!"
"Resist us? Why do you express yourself so coarsely? She is not to be subjected to force."
"I am not sure of that. You are capable of anything, you and Osmond. I don't mean Osmond by himself, and I don't mean you by yourself. But together you are dangerous—like some chemical combination."
"You had better leave us alone, then," said Madame Merle, smiling.
"I don't mean to touch you—but I shall talk to that girl."
"My poor Amy," Madame Merle murmured, "I don't see what has got into your head."
"I take an interest in her—that is what has got into my head. I like her."
Madame Merle hesitated a moment. "I don't think she likes you."
