She asked questions about Mary's home and her parents, and Mary answered these interrogations in monosyllabic gasps.

It appeared that Mary had a kitten, and that this kitten was a central fact of Mary's existence.

The kitten was called Alice.
"Alice is a silly name for a kitten.

I shouldn't call a kitten Alice," said Sarah, and Mary started as though in some strange, sinister fashion she were instantly aware that Alice's life and safety were threatened.
From that morning began a strange acquaintance that certainly could not be called a friendship.

There could be no question at all that Mary was terrified of Sarah; there could also be no question that Mary was Sarah's obedient slave.