"And I order you to admit him instantly."
"Mademoiselle, you disobey your father," said Madame Desroches, half angrily, half respectfully.
"My father does not see through your eyes, madame."
"Yet, who is master of your fate?"
"I alone," cried Helene, unwilling to allow any domination.
"Mademoiselle, I swear to you that your father—"
"Will approve, if he be my father."
These words, given with all the pride of an empress, cowed Madame Desroches, and she had recourse to silence.
"Well," said Helene, "I ordered that the door should be opened; does no one obey when I command?"
No one stirred; they waited for the orders of Madame Desroches.