Though she was told to stand, Jasminette remained kneeling on the floor, unable to rise.
"I was wrong. I should not have spoken out of turn and upset you. Please, punish me, my leader."
The proprietress said nothing, merely smiling faintly as she watched quietly.
Finally, as Jasminette nearly ground her teeth to bits from the tension, she heard the proprietress speak softly.
"Did you not hear me when I told you to get up?"
Startled, Jasminette quickly scrambled to her feet, daring not to utter another word.
"I know what you're thinking. But in my presence, you'd best keep your thoughts to yourself, or I won't hesitate to replace you."
With that, the proprietress slowly stood up, still holding her cigarette holder, and left without another word.
Jasminette didn't dare linger and quickly followed.
