This is the worst possible method of effecting a reconciliation; and Sidonie at once bursts forth: "I tell you that that woman, with all her calm airs, is proud and spiteful.

In the first place, she detests me, I know that.

So long as I was poor little Sidonie and she could toss me her broken dolls and old clothes, it was all right, but now that I am my own mistress as well as she, it vexes her and humiliates her.

Madame gives me advice with a lofty air, and criticises what I do.

I did wrong to have a maid.