“It’s hysteria. Poor thing, you can see she’s overwrought.”

“Give her a fine; un bon petit cognac.

“Waiter!”

“Garçon.”

“Never mind, Precious,” the fat man crooned. “You shall ride in a comfy taxi-cab with me.”

“No; indeed she shan’t,” Mrs. Sixsmith snapped. “You may rely on me, Ernest, for that!”

Rejecting the proffered spirits with a gesture, Miss Sinquier controlled her grief.

“It’s not often I’m so silly,” she said.

“There, there!”

“Excuse this exhibition....”