“Ah! Madame de P. has finished; she is as red as the comb of a turkey-cock.”
Four ladies rush forward with pious ardor to take her place.
“Ah! Madame, do not push so, I beg of you.”
“But I was here before you, Madame.”
“I beg a thousand pardons, Madame.”
“You surely have a very strange idea of the respect which is due to this hallowed spot.”
“Hush, hush! Profit by the opportunity, Madame; slip through and take the vacant place. (Whispering.) Do not forget the big one last night, and the two little ones of this morning.”
CHAPTER V. MADAME AND HER FRIEND CHAT BY THE FIRESIDE
Madam—(moving her slender fingers)—It is ruched, ruched, ruched, loves of ruches, edged all around with blond.