"But, dear madame, you wrote to me—"
"I must have my dress for to-morrow."
"My ball takes place to-night—"
"Mesdames, I repeat, it is impossible. If one of my assistants likes to take you in hand, well and good. That is all I can do for you."
Then, turning round, she perceives a stout lady who looks imploringly at her, and declares brusquely, "Ah, madame, I have already told you that I cannot undertake to dress you. You are not my style. I do not understand plump women."
"But, Madame Rodrigues—"
"If one of my premières cares to take you in hand, I have no objection; but that is all I can do for you."
The only thing that calms the great artist is the arrival of one of her favorite actresses.
"Ah, bonjour, Madame Judic: you will have your toilets on Friday—"
"But the first performance is announced for Wednesday."