"I am particularly gratified at having pleased you, madam," said Madeleine, with more gravity than was usual to her when she accosted her light-brained customers.
Madame de Fleury, without noticing her serious mien, commenced disrobing. Victorine folded up the dress and placed it in a carton.
"I mean to take the dress with me," said the marchioness. "Mademoiselle Victorine, have the goodness to desire my servant to place that carton in the carriage."
As Victorine prepared to obey, Madeleine motioned her to desist, and said, "Not yet; leave the dress for a few moments. You may retire."
The forewoman reluctantly left the room, looking puzzled, curious, and indignant.
"What? Is some alteration needful?" asked Madame de Fleury. "Have you some fresh inspiration? Has a new idea that will improve the dress suddenly struck you?"
Without replying to these questions, Madeleine looked earnestly at the marchioness, who was now resuming her bonnet, and asked,—
"You are, then, satisfied with my work, madame?"
"Satisfied? that is a cold word. I am transported!"
"And if," continued Madeleine, "for that dress I should require a price"—