Why does she let them bully her?
Is she not her own mistress ?" "Legally, yes, I suppose; but morally, no.

In France you must never say nay to your mother, whatever she requires of you.

She may be the most abominable old woman in the world, and make your life a purgatory; but, after all, she is ma mere, and you have no right to judge her.

You have simply to obey.

The thing has a fine side to it.