“If Miss Archer’s to become her mother it’s surely interesting to know if the child likes her,” said the Countess.
“If your brother marries again it won’t be for Pansy’s sake,” Madame Merle replied. “She’ll soon be sixteen, and after that she’ll begin to need a husband rather than a stepmother.”
“And will you provide the husband as well?”
“I shall certainly take an interest in her marrying fortunately. I imagine you’ll do the same.”
“Indeed I shan’t!” cried the Countess. “Why should I, of all women, set such a price on a husband?”
“You didn’t marry fortunately; that’s what I’m speaking of. When I say a husband I mean a good one.”
“There are no good ones. Osmond won’t be a good one.”
Madame Merle closed her eyes a moment. “You’re irritated just now; I don’t know why,” she presently said. “I don’t think you’ll really object either to your brother’s or to your niece’s marrying, when the time comes for them to do so; and as regards Pansy I’m confident that we shall some day have the pleasure of looking for a husband for her together. Your large acquaintance will be a great help.”
“Yes, I’m irritated,” the Countess answered. “You often irritate me. Your own coolness is fabulous. You’re a strange woman.”
“It’s much better that we should always act together,” Madame Merle went on.