It seems to me they don't dress you so well as they might." The child sparingly stroked down her antiquated skirt.

"It's a good little dress to make tea--don't you think?
Don't you believe papa would allow me ?" "Impossible for me to say, my child," said the Countess.

"For me, your father's ideas are unfathomable.

Madame Merle understands them better.
Ask HER." Madame Merle smiled with her usual grace.

"It's a weighty question--let me think.