Did he not belong now to the same association since he was obeying its orders ?...
The responses were very incomplete.

She had limited herself to obeying the doctor, who knew everything....

Then she hesitated and corrected herself.

No, her friend could not know everything, because above her were the count and other personages who used to come from time to time to visit her like passing tourists.

And the chain of agents, from the lowest to the highest, were lost in mysterious heights that made Freya turn pale, imposing on her eyes and voice an expression of superstitious respect.
She was free to speak only of her work, and she did this very cautiously, relating the measures she had employed, but without mentioning her co-workers nor stating what her final aim was to be.