Impressed by such an assurance, the ladies said no more. They had taken the silk up, and were again examining it, 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 all the assembled riches but not buying so much as a yard of calico. And now there was another explosion of gossip.
"What! Is that you?"
"Yes, it's I, 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 beneath 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 stealing money out of his pocket. At last, however, Madame Guibal went off to resume her stroll, turning round the large display of silks with an enraptured air.
"Well, if I were you I should buy the mantle ready-made," said Madame Desforges, suddenly returning to the Paris Delight. "It won't cost you so much."
"It's true that the trimmings and making-up——" murmured Madame Marty. "Besides, one has more choice."