Helene smiled scornfully, and made such an imperious gesture that Madame Desroches moved from the door, and made way for her; Helene then, slowly and with dignity, descended the staircase herself, followed by Madame Desroches, who was petrified to find such a will in a young girl just out of a convent.
"She is a queen," said the waiting-maid to Madame Desroches; "I know I should have gone to open the door, if she had not done so herself."
"Alas!" said the duenna, "they are all alike in that family."
"Do you know the family, then?" asked the servant, astonished.
Madame Desroches saw that she had said too much.
"Yes," said she; "I formerly knew the marquis, her father."
Meanwhile Helene had descended the staircase, crossed the court, and opened the door; on the step stood Gaston.
"Come, my friend," said Helene.
Gaston followed her, the door closed behind them, and they entered a room on the ground-floor.
"You called me, and I am here, Helene," said the young man; "what do you fear, what dangers threaten you?"