All rose to go.
Arnoux told Pellerin to remain, and accompanied Mademoiselle Vatnaz into the dressing-room.
Frederick could not hear what they said; they spoke in whispers. However, the woman's voice was raised:
"I have been waiting ever since the job was done, six months ago."
There was a long silence, and then Mademoiselle Vatnaz reappeared. Arnoux had again promised her something.
"Oh! oh! later, we shall see!"
"Good-bye! happy man," said she, as she was going out.
Arnoux quickly re-entered the dressing-room, rubbed some cosmetic over his moustaches, raised his braces, stretched his straps; and, while he was washing his hands:
"I would require two over the door at two hundred and fifty apiece, in Boucher's style. Is that understood?"
"Be it so," said the artist, his face reddening.