Don grasped her firmly by the arm and led her vastly perturbed into the shop, where a smiling saleswoman accosted them. "This lady wishes to see the grey gown you have in the window," he said. He drew the woman aside and added, "Don't tell her the price! You understand? If she insists upon knowing take your cue from me." He could say no more as Flamby had drawn near.
"How much is it?" she inquired naively.
"I don't know yet," replied Don. "Won't you look at it first?"
"The dress is a model, madam," said the puzzled modiste. "Probably we should have to alter it to fit you."
"Would that be extra?" asked Flamby.
"Only a trifle," Don assured her, "if you really like it."
"How much is it please?" Flamby asked.
Don, standing just behind her became troubled with a tickling in the throat, and the woman, hesitating, looked up and detected his urgent glance. He raised three fingers furtively. She could scarcely conceal her amazement, but an emphatic nod from Don left her in no doubt respecting his meaning.
"I believe it is—three guineas, madam," she replied in a forced and unnatural voice. She was wondering what would become of her if this very eccentric officer played her false.
Flamby turned thoughtfully to Don. "That's expensive isn't it?" she said.