But I wanted to do what was honest--if you had only given me time.

Then you slipped out and did it!" Constance stared in bewilderment.
"Are you the mistress in this house ?" she said.
Nora nodded.

Her colour had all faded away, and her breath was coming quick.

"I practically am," she said stoutly.
"At seventeen ?" asked Connie, ironically.
Nora nodded again.
Connie turned away, and walked to the window.

She was enraged with Nora, whose attack upon her seemed quite inexplicable and incredible.