"My dear mother, I＇m not afraid," Ralph answered."She＇s making fools of us all. She＇ll please herself, of course; but she＇ll do so by studying human nature at close quarters and yet retaining her liberty. She has started on an exploring expedition, and I don＇t think she＇ll change her course, at the outset, at a signal from Gilbert Osmond. She may have slackened speed for an hour, but before we know it she＇ll be steaming away again. Excuse another metaphor."
Mrs. Touchett excused it perhaps, but was not so much reassured as to withhold from Madame Merle the expression of her fears. "You who know everything," she said, "you must know this: whether that curious creature＇s really making love to my niece."