"Of course," she said, "please be quick."
"If you cannot wait," replied Fridji, "you must go without."
"You must not speak to me like that. You know very well that parlour-maids say 'ma'am' and are expected to be respectful."
"Parlour-maids! I am no parlour-maid."
"Indeed?" said Amaryllis.
"Here—I am mistress!"
"Oh!" said Amaryllis.
"And you are prisoner—I tell you."
"Yes?" said Amaryllis. "I'm afraid you've let yourself be dragged into a very wicked crime for which you will be severely punished."
"Punish! To punish me! Drag in! But me? Me? Me? I am not dragged. I lead."