This remarked induced the salesman to intervene. He smiled with the exaggerated politeness of a man who cannot make a mistake.
“But, madame, flexibility is the chief quality of this silk. It will not crumple. It's exactly what you want.”
Impressed by such an assurance, the ladies said no more. They had taken the silk up, and were examining it again, when they felt a touch on their shoulders. It was Madame Guibal, who had been slowly walking about the shop for an hour past, feasting her eyes on the heaped-up riches, without buying even a yard of calico. And there was another explosion of gossip.
“What! Is that you?”
“Yes, it's me, rather knocked about though.”
“What a crowd—eh? One can't get about. And the oriental saloon?”
“Ravishing!”
“Good heavens! what a success! Stay a moment, we will go upstairs together.”
“No, thanks, I've just come down.”
Hutin was waiting, concealing his impatience with a smile that did not quit his lips. Were they going to keep him there long? Really the women took things very coolly, it was like taking his money out of his pocket. At last Madame Guibal went away and continued her stroll, turning round the splendid display of silks with an enraptured air.