To her he seemed of a superior order to the rest of humanity.

If he spoke, she was silent and listened: his word was a command, his advice a decree of Providence.

To care for her son, study his tastes, anticipate his wishes, was the sole aim of her life.

She was a mother.
"Is Madame Gerdy visible ?" asked old Tabaret of the girl who opened the door; and, without waiting for an answer, he walked into the room like a man assured that his presence cannot be inopportune, and ought to be agreeable.
A single candle lighted the drawing-room, which was not in its accustomed order.

The small marble-top table, usually in the middle of the room, had been rolled into a corner.