"It seems to me you insinuate things about her.

I don't know what you mean, but if you've any grounds for disliking her I think you should either mention them frankly or else say nothing at all." Ralph, however, resented this charge with more apparent earnestness than he commonly used.

"I speak of Madame Merle exactly as I speak to her: with an even exaggerated respect." "Exaggerated, precisely.

That's what I complain of." "I do so because Madame Merle's merits are exaggerated." "By whom, pray?
By me?
If so I do her a poor service." "No, no; by herself." "Ah, I protest!" Isabel earnestly cried.

"If ever there was a woman who made small claims--!" "You put your finger on it," Ralph interrupted.