"Go and open the door," said Helene, imperiously. "There is some one at the door whom I expect."
"Stop," said Madame Desroches to the valet, who was going to obey; "I will go myself."
"Useless, madame. I know who it is, and I have already told you that it is a person whom I expect."
"But mademoiselle ought not to receive this person," replied the duenna, trying to stand her ground.
"I am no longer at the convent, madame, and I am not yet in prison," replied Helene; "and I shall receive whom I please."
"But, at least, I may know who this is?"
"I see no objection. It is the same person whom I received at Rambouillet."
"M. de Livry?"
"Yes."
"I have positive orders not to allow this young man to see you."