THÉRÈSE. Her Highness demands milk for her cat and a piece of cheese for your rats.
ADÈLE. Go get them yourself.
THÉRÈSE. Is that the way to answer Her Highness?
ADÈLE. The answer fits such talk. And besides, you deserve it for showing yourself before a stranger with your hair not combed.
THÉRÈSE. Aren't we all old friends here, and—Antonio, go and speak nicely to Aunt Adele, and then you'll get some milk for Mimi. [Antonio hesitates.] Well, aren't you going to mind?
ANTONIO [Sharply]. No.
THÉRÈSE. What kind of a way to speak is that? Do you want a taste of my riding whip?
ANTONIO. Impudence!
THÉRÈSE. [Amazed]. What's that? What's that? Are you trying to remind me of my position, my debt, my weakness?
ANTONIO. No, I only want to remind you of my position, my debt, my weakness.