"Very good, madame; I am looking for children's caps—for a little boy of five."
All the girls in the shop laughed aloud; but the forewoman assumed a sour expression as she rejoined:
"Did monsieur take this for a hat-shop?"
"Have I made a mistake? Oh! I beg your pardon; I am distressed; it was all these feathers that misled me; they put so many feathers on hats nowadays. Accept my apologies, madame; your humble servant."
Having executed a graceful bow, Cherami left the shop, saying to himself:
"That's one; I did that very well; it wasn't a bit bad. My two young friends are not there. Let's try another."
A little farther on, he saw another establishment for the sale of flowers and feathers. He entered as before, and struck the same attitude.
"We are waiting for monsieur to say what he wants," said an old woman.
"Mon Dieu! madame," said Cherami, examining the girls, of whom there were not so many as in the first shop, "I would like—I wanted a coat, either blue or black, but made in the latest style, and, above all things, becoming to me. I don't care for the price, but I am particular about being well dressed."
"You are not in a tailor's shop, monsieur!" retorted the old woman superciliously, while the workgirls exchanged glances and laughed till they cried.