“Yes.”
“And do you intend to continue your interviews with him?”
“Yes.”
“But supposing I forbid it?”
“I won’t listen to you.”
Valentina Mihailovna sprang up from her chair.
“What! You won’t listen to me! I see.... And that is said to me by a girl who has known nothing but kindness from me, whom I have brought up in my own house, that is said to me ... said to me——”
“By the daughter of a disgraced father,” Mariana put in, sternly. “Go on, don’t be on ceremonies!”
“Ce n’est pas moi qui vous le fait dire, mademoiselle! In any case, that is nothing to be proud of! A girl who lives at my expense——”
“Don’t throw that in my face, Valentina Mihailovna! It would cost you more to keep a French governess for Kolia.... It is I who give him French lessons!”