"Yes, regular tailors," replied Leonora.
"Very well. Finish this collar; the needle is still in it," said M.
Martin, handing the scarlet soldier-jacket to Leonora.
The young volunteer blushed, and said in a low voice: "To be sure; sir. I must ask you to show me how to do it, for I have never yet worked on men's clothes."
"A ladies' tailor?" exclaimed M. Martin, with an expression of boundless contempt. "The other one, too?"
"Yes, I also am a ladies' tailor," said Caroline, smiling.
"And they are bold enough to offer their assistance to me!" exclaimed M. Martin, shrugging his shoulders.
"It is only necessary for you to give them proper directions, sir," said Madame von Lutzow, entreatingly, "for as they know how to ply the needle they will easily understand what to do."
"And if the uniform should not fit well, or be badly made, it will be laid at my door, and M. Martin will be blamed for it. I assure you I cannot take the job; I am short of workmen of the necessary experience. No one wants to work now-adays—all heads are turned— all young men are enlisting."
"No, sir," said the lady, "all heads are turned right again—to one thing necessary at this time—to the service of the fatherland."
"Bah! my shop is my fatherland," said the tailor, contemptuously.