"Beware of a number of higglers who have come to secure bargains.

I know them! They watch for their opportunities, turn everything topsy-turvy and wait for us to lose our heads and forget prices, so as to pay even less than they would in a real shop.

But I'll get good prices from them, you shall see!" At this, Eve, who for her own part was a most incapable saleswoman, had to laugh with the others.

And in a gentle voice she made a pretence of addressing certain recommendations to Camille, who listened with a smiling and most submissive air.

In point of fact the wretched mother was sinking with emotion, particularly at the thought that she would have to remain there till seven o'clock, and suffer in secret before all those people, without possibility of relief.