Her orders were absolute.

She could not refuse to admit me, seeing that I was already in the hall; but she stoutly refused to announce me.

I argued with the damsel.
"I may have business of the utmost importance with your master." She couldn't help it.

She had her orders.
"But, my good Ellen," said I--the minx had actually been in our service a couple of years before!--"suppose the place were on fire, what would you do ?" She looked at me demurely.

"I think I should call a policeman, sir." "You can call one now," said I, "for I'm going to announce myself.