Have you met my housekeeper?’ Dorothy was palpitating. ‘In your old room. Practically as you left it. One has to respect what other people are — esse… - Patrick White

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Have you met my housekeeper?’ Dorothy was palpitating. ‘In your old room. Practically as you left it. One has to respect what other people are — essentially — even when they try to destroy themselves. But I offer you your room — your latchkey — financial security — if only you will realize that badly heated Paris apartment is — so — so pernicious.’ Dorothy de Lascabanes had flown to her mother’s bedside to pronounce an ultimatum, a brutal one if necessary, and here she was, her head literally so heavy she had to support it with her hands. ‘I don’t know, Mummy!’ she muttered from behind her wrists. ‘Think it over, darling. Nothing can be decided in — you know I would never let you want — and for that reason.’ They had lapsed. Both of them. The princess might have been sunk in a lake of mercury, but Mrs Hunter was probably born of that substance.