It took no great time indeed for her to feel herself, as the phrase is, under an influence.
"What's the harm," she wondered, "so long as it's a good one?
The more one's under a good influence the better.

The only thing is to see our steps as we take them--to understand them as we go.

That, no doubt, I shall always do.

I needn't be afraid of becoming too pliable; isn't it my fault that I'm not pliable enough ?" It is said that imitation is the sincerest flattery; and if Isabel was sometimes moved to gape at her friend aspiringly and despairingly it was not so much because she desired herself to shine as because she wished to hold up the lamp for Madame Merle.

She liked her extremely, but was even more dazzled than attracted.