I'm better than he says, Miss Archer," the Countess went on.

"I'm only rather an idiot and a bore.

Is that all he has said?
Ah then, you keep him in good-humour.

Has he opened on one of his favourite subjects?
I give you notice that there are two or three that he treats a fond.

In that case you had better take off your bonnet." "I don't think I know what Mr.Osmond's favourite subjects are," said Isabel, who had risen to her feet.
The Countess assumed for an instant an attitude of intense meditation, pressing one of her hands, with the finger-tips gathered together, to her forehead.