"I know it, yet I＇m always surprised at it. They＇re really so much better than most people＇s."
"That may very well be. But as the only thing you do—well, it＇s so little. I should have liked you to do so many other things: those were my ambitions."
"Yes; you＇ve told me many times—things that were impossible."
"Things that were impossible," said Madame Merle. And then in quite a different tone: "In itself your little picture＇s very good." She looked about the room—at the old cabinets, pictures, tapestries, surfaces of faded silk. "Your rooms at least are perfect. I＇m struck with that afresh whenever I come back; I know none better anywhere. You understand this sort of thing as nobody anywhere does. You＇ve such adorable taste."