Modiste. No, Madame, it is utterly impossible for you to wear silks and satins. They have quite gone out.
Lady. But hasn't alpaca come in a little?
Modiste. Scarcely. It may be used for divided skirts at Battersea Park, but it is not really recognised.
Lady. Then what am I to wear?
Modiste. Flowers, Madame, flowers. Of course they should be fixed on foundations, but they are the only materials used at the present time.
Lady. Are they not rather expensive?
Modiste. Well, no. I shall not charge more for them than velvet or brocade. And, of course, if you choose to wear your dresses more than once, your maid can get them renovated with new flowers at an almost fabulous reduction.
Lady. I do not think a gown ever looks well when worn a second time.
Modiste. Quite so, Madame; quite so. Well, would you like a charming dress of pink hyacinths, with bishop's sleeves of Gloire de Dijon roses? The skirt would be of variegated lilac.
Lady. But could you get the material for the floral combination?