The Portrait of a Lady

In 1876, Edward Rosier—who is also called “Ned” for short—goes to meet Madame Merle and ask for her help. He met Pansy in Switzerland during the summer, fell in love with her, and then followed her to Rome. He thinks Madame Merle is likely to have influence with the family, including Gilbert’s wife, Isabel. Madame Merle suggests that Gilbert and Isabel think differently about everything. Edward insinuates that Mrs. Osmond may provide something for Pansy’s marriage, even though her father doesn’t have money of his own. Madame Merle mentions that Isabel had a son two years earlier, who died six months after his birth. Madame Merle tells Edward to wait until she “sounds out” the Osmonds about his likely success with Pansy.

Edward visits the Osmonds’ home. He receives a cold reception from Gilbert, and a kind one from Isabel. Edward and Pansy talk alone, and he tells her he has really come to see her, and she tells him she likes him, too.

Madame Merle arrives. She and Gilbert discuss Edward. He notes that the potential suitor is not what he “dreamed of for Pansy” (372). Madame Merle notes that Pansy seems to like Edward, but Gilbert doesn’t think that matters and feels certain his daughter will do what he prefers rather than what she wants.