"Anybody can tell me."
Preparation began at once. By and by--
"Clotilde."
Clotilde was stooping behind her mother, with a ribbon between her lips, arranging a flounce.
"M-m-m."
"You must not watch me go out of sight; do you hear? ... But it is dangerous. I knew of a gentleman who watched his wife go out of his sight and she never came back!"
"Hold still!" said Clotilde.
"But when my hand itches," retorted Aurore in a high key, "haven't I got to put it instantly into my pocket if I want the money to come there? Well, then!"
The daughter proposed to go to the kitchen and tell Alphonsina to put on her shoes.
"My child," cried Aurore, "you are crazy! Do you want Alphonsina to be seized for the rent?"