Though her words ought to have angered the Countess, it did not display itself on her face at all. Slowly, with well-measured steps, she sealed the gap that was between them to a mere foot. Her eyes would stare intensely at the girl, letting the silence add to her own unreadable demeanor. Let the girl speculate a moment....<br/><br/>Then, with no warning, she'd bring up her hand and slap the girl forcefully across her cheek. "Stupid girl." Her voice said smoothly, still absent was the heat of any rage. "I<em>am</em>your superior. I am a titled Countess, and related to the king himself. I have powerful allies, and destroyed enemies. None of that has anything to do with money. If you do not give me the respect that is my due, I will have to teach you a few lessons in obedience, and humility. You obviously are in desperate need of an education. You can start of by calling me, 'my lady.' "