And besides I alone cannot take such responsibility.

I haven't the power.

I am only the manager; all that I do is to execute the orders of the committee of lady patronesses." "But it was precisely Baroness Duvillard who sent me to you, monsieur, telling me that you alone had the necessary authority to grant immediate admittance in an exceptional case." "Oh! it was the Baroness who sent you?
Ah! that is just like her, incapable of coming to any decision herself, and far too desirous of her own quietude to accept any responsibility.

Why is it that she wants me to have the worries?
No, no, Monsieur l'Abbe, I certainly won't go against all our regulations; I won't give an order which would perhaps embroil me with all those ladies.

You don't know them, but they become positively terrible directly they attend our meetings." He was growing lively, defending himself with a jocular air, whilst in secret he was fully determined to do nothing.