She got as white as a sheet and hissed back: "Your Imperial Highness can't dismiss me. Only His Majesty has power——"
I interrupted her with an imperious gesture.
"I said I will kick you out of doors like a thieving lackey," I repeated, "and I will do so this moment if you say another word. Whether or not His Majesty will punish me for the act, that's my business. You will be on the street and will stay on the street."
I pointed to the door: "I dismiss you now. You will keep to your room for the rest of the day."
I saw the Tisch was near collapse.
"Your Imperial Highness deigns to insult a defenseless woman," she breathed as she went out.
Defenseless! So is the viper that attacks one's heel! First these "defenseless" creatures goad one to madness, then they appeal to our noblesse oblige. The enmity between the Tisch and I is more intense than ever.