The door bounced off its frame: Neelke let it fall shut behind her as she rushed out, not too steady on her feet. Then Eva got out of her chair—a harsh scrape on the floor—and Isabel took a step farther, ready, and both of them spoke at the same time, Isabel with a “—getting the maid drunk under my roof while—” and Eva with a “—like a tyrant, as if no one is allowed to breathe when you’re—” They fell silent.
