"I know a costumer where you will find a lot to choose from."
"You see, Freluchon, from the moment that I make up my mind to disguise myself, I insist upon being well costumed; I want something that will favor me, something—er—original."
"Let us go softly, Chamoureau, softly! Just now, you were afraid of being recognized, and now you want to attract attention!"
"One may attract attention without being recognized. Suppose I should dress as a woman?"
"The devil fly away with you! As a woman? Why, a man can't make conquests in a woman's clothes; the fair sex dislikes us when we assume its skirts, and it is quite right; when a man rigs himself up in that way he is good for nothing but to arouse laughter or contempt."
"Yes, that's true; I won't dress as a woman; but how shall I dress, then?"
"You can decide at the costumer's and dress there; it's within a few steps of the Opéra."
"All right. But my clothes?"
"The costumer will send them to your concierge."
"Deuce take it! no; I can't have that; I have no desire to go home in a Carnival costume, so that every one may know that I've been to the ball in disguise. A business agent—and sometimes clients call very early in the morning!—A Carnival costume would not inspire confidence."