The little dressmaker told me that she was engaged to M.Plumet, frame-maker.

She told her tale very clearly; a little money put by, you see, out of ten years' wages; one may be careful and yet be taken in; and, alas! all has been lent to a cousin in the cabinetmaking trade, who wanted to set up shop; and now he refuses to pay up.

The dowry is in danger, and the marriage in suspense.
"Do not be alarmed, Mademoiselle; we will summons this atrocious cabinet-maker, and get a judgment against him.

We shall not let him go until he has disgorged, and you shall be Madame Plumet." We kept our word.

Less than two months later--thanks to my efforts--the dowry was recovered; the banns were put up; and the little dressmaker paid a second visit to the office, this time with M.Plumet, who was even more embarrassed than she.
"See, Antoine! this is Monsieur Mouillard, who undertook our case! Thank you again and again, Monsieur Mouillard, you really have been too kind! What do I owe you for your trouble ?" "You must ask my master what his fees come to, Mademoiselle." "Yes, but you?
What can I do for you ?" The whole office, from the messenger to the clerk who came next to me, had their eyes upon me.