The commanding woman bent before the little fair head.

There was nothing good enough for Micheline.

Had the mother owned the world she would have placed it at the little one's feet.

One tear from the child upset her.

If on one of the most important subjects Madame Desvarennes had said "No," and Micheline came and said "Yes," the hitherto resolute will became subordinate to the caprice of a child.
They knew it in the house and acted upon it.