She stood passive while the Princess took the letter from her fingers and tore it into pieces.

Then she unlocked the door.
"Go to your room, Jeanne," she ordered.
Jeanne heard the sound of people ascending the stairs, and this time she did not hesitate.

The Princess drew a little breath and looked at the fragments of the letter in the grate.

It was victory of a sort, but she realized very well that the ultimate issue was more doubtful than ever.

In her room Jeanne would have time for reflection.