"Why are you here?" demanded Amélie. "Why have you forced an entrance into my room at such an hour?"
The girl's indignation momentarily disconcerted the lady, but very soon she laughed disdainfully:
"I might ask with what shadow of a right you have taken up quarters in my castle?"
"This castle, madam, appertains to René de Giac, Marquis de Brezé."
"I am his mother. I come in his name and with full authority from him. Rise at once if you have a sense of decency that we may talk in a suitable manner."
"René has given you no authority," protested the girl.
"My authority will soon be manifest," replied the Duchess.
"Jean Vilon! Jean Vilon!" called Amélie.
"Jean Vilon will not come. He is my slave. Do not become hysterical. And rise, I repeat. 'Twill be a pleasanter method than having my servants pull you out of bed."
"In order that I should rise, madam, these servants must retire. I am not accustomed to dressing in the presence of men."