"But a cat has five claws," said Madame d'Aragona. "Is not a tiger a cat? We must have the thing right, you know, if it is to be done at all."
"Has a cat five claws?" asked Anastase, appealing anxiously to Orsino.
"Of course, but you would only see four on the skin."
"I insist upon knowing," said Madame d'Aragona. "This is dreadful! Has no one got a tiger? What sort of studio is this—with no tiger!"
"I am not Sarah Bernhardt, nor the emperor of Siam," observed Gouache, with a laugh.
But Madame d'Aragona was not satisfied.
"I am sure you could procure me one, Prince," she said, turning to Orsino. "I am sure you could, if you would! I shall cry if I do not have one, and it will be your fault."
"Would you like the animal alive or dead?" inquired Orsino gravely, and he rose from his seat.
"Ah, I knew you could procure the thing!" she exclaimed with grateful enthusiasm. "Alive or dead, Gouache? Quick—decide!"
"As you please, Madame. If you decide to have him alive, I will ask permission to exchange a few words with my wife and children, while some one goes for a priest."