It is to be presumed that she was absolutely heartless.

Many women are.

It is when a heartless woman has brains that one hears of her.
"What if I refuse ?" asked Etta, keenly aware of the fact that this man was handicapped by his love for her.
"Then I will force you to obedience." Etta raised her delicate eyebrows insolently.
"Ah!" "Yes," said De Chauxville, with suppressed anger; "I will force you to obey me." The princess looked at him with her little mocking smile.

She raised one hand to her head with a reflective air, as if a hair-pin were of greater importance than his words.

She had dressed herself rather carefully for this interview.