Hattie's eyes narrowed at the teasing. Unfortunatly she didn't know for sure if Eponine was telling the truth or not, but she hated, hated that he had paid so much more attention to Ella than to her. And he was paying attention to Eponine? There was no way she would ever believe that. "... Nonsense." she hissed between her teeth.

To the maid's concern, Hattie rolled her eyes, "Being 'nasty', as you claim, to you is the only way you pay attention, Eponine. If I give you any sort of lenience, you might do something foolish like, say, not return that pen you have in your hand."

"I have already told you what I want from you. Do as I say, and do it well. Nothing more and nothing less."