Summary 191 - 265. "A Portrait of a Lady" by Henry James

After the death of Mr. Touchett, Madame Merle comes to know by words of Mrs. Touchett, that her nieces, Miss Isabel Archer, has eghten thousands pounds by the will of her uncle. It means that now Isabel becomes a respectable wealthy lady and is a good target to hunt. That's why Mrs. Touchett wants to show her Italy, as she has promised, to call of her attention from her purse. By the way, Ralph Touchett is spending winter period in this country, because of his illness.
The Palazzo Crescentino is the family house of Touchett's on the Italian land. It's not so far from Florence, where is the house of one of Madame Merle friends - Mr. Gilbert Osmond.
 His daughter, Pancy, has just arrived from Rome with her tutors - Mother Catherine and Mother Justine. They are Sisters in the monastery where the small girl makes herself perfect. On his own, Mr. Osmond is an ordinary provincial. His wife has died when the daughter is a baby. He doesn't have enough money to give him everything, but he actually doesn't need anything. He thinks that society may spoil his child and that's why it's better for Pancy to stay in the monastery.
But Madame Merle, who is the authority person for him, believes that the girl has been born to decorate this world, to make it beautiful, as her new friend from America, Miss Archer is doing. So, Madame Merle has a plan to involve Gilbert into Isabel.
When Isabel has been invited to visit his apartments she attracts him. He has never seen so gracious lady in his world. He tells her about his collection of pictures, while they are stating in the garden, crowded by flowers. Also he is a good painter - he knows each picture with details. Having seen it, Madame Merle discuses her plan with The Countess Gemini.
The Countess is a wife of poor Count. It's a good example of unsuccessful marriage. Also Geminin doesn't have any child. Three of them have died one by one no to achieve a year of living.
The Countess, as Mrs. Touchett, doesn't approve this idea. But Madame Merle has an opposition view of the question. She supposes that Isabel is an easy-going person and will be a good stepmother.
Mr. Osmond starts to visit Isabel as often as it possible. One of these days he is sent an invitation from her to visit Rome all together. This is the special trip by Mrs. Touchett to limit their time together.
Madame Merle Give advice to follow Isabel if he doesn't want to lose a chance. She promises Gilbert to keep an eye to his daughter - Pancy. Madame Merle Has out of habit to lose her locals wars.