For Isabel, however, there was of course as yet no thought of getting out, but only of advancing.

Mr.Osmond met her in the cold ante-chamber--it was cold even in the month of May--and ushered her, with her conductress, into the apartment to which we have already been introduced.

Madame Merle was in front, and while Isabel lingered a little, talking with him, she went forward familiarly and greeted two persons who were seated in the saloon.

One of these was little Pansy, on whom she bestowed a kiss; the other was a lady whom Mr.Osmond indicated to Isabel as his sister, the Countess Gemini.

"And that's my little girl," he said, "who has just come out of her convent." Pansy had on a scant white dress, and her fair hair was neatly arranged in a net; she wore her small shoes tied sandal-fashion about her ankles.
She made Isabel a little conventual curtsey and then came to be kissed.
The Countess Gemini simply nodded without getting up: Isabel could see she was a woman of high fashion.