For even with her illusions crushed she still clung to life with all the passion of her young soul.
The two women stood and looked at her; and then Adele Rossignol burst out laughing.

Vauquier approached the girl, and Celia had a moment's hope that she meant to free her altogether, but she only loosed the cords which fixed her to the pillar and the high stool.
"Mademoiselle will pardon me for laughing," said Adele Rossignol politely; "but it was mademoiselle who invited me to try my hand.

And really, for so smart a young lady, mademoiselle looks too ridiculous." She lifted the girl up and carried her back writhing and struggling into the salon.

The whole of the pretty room was within view, but in the embrasure of a window something lay dreadfully still and quiet.
Celia held her head averted.

But it was there, and, though it was there, all the while the women joked and laughed, Adele Rossignol feverishly, Helene Vauquier with a real glee most horrible to see.
"I beg mademoiselle not to listen to what Adele is saying," exclaimed Helene.