Isabel chooses to escape from Madame Merle and work through her thoughts, rather than confront Merle about her disgraceful behavior. Calling Merle “wicked” is Isabel’s way of expressing her disgust at the morally corrupt widow. Although she is furious at Merle and Osmond, Isabel demonstrates a new kind of wisdom when she ultimately decides that she pities Merle. In this way, she has grown more in the likeness of Mr. Touchett and Ralph, who also pitied those less fortunate than themselves.