At this high-sounding name M. Fingret bowed low, and said: “But there is nothing in this room worthy Madame la Comtesse’s inspection. If madame will take the trouble to step into the next one, she will see what is new and beautiful.”
Jeanne colored. All this had seemed so splendid to her, too splendid even to hope to possess it; and this high opinion of M. Fingret’s concerning her perplexed her not a little. She regretted that she had not announced herself as a simple bourgeoise; but it was necessary to speak, so she said, “I do not wish for new furniture.”
“Madame has doubtless some friend’s apartments to furnish?”
“Just so,” she replied.
“Will madame, then, choose?” said M. Fingret, who did not care whether he sold new or old, as he gained equally by both.
“This set,” said Jeanne, pointing to the yellow silk one.
“That is such a small set, madame.”
“Oh, the rooms are small.”
“It is nearly new, as madame may see.”
“But the price?”