Teresina appeared and fastened the hat of the period upon her mistress's head.

The hat of the period chanced to be a one-sided monstrosity at that time, something between a cart wheel, an umbrella and a flower garden, depending for its stability upon the proper position of several solid skewers, apparently stuck through the head of the wearer.

This headpiece having been adjusted the Marchesa asked for a cigarette, lighted it and looked about her.
"It is really too much!" she exclaimed.

"Button my gloves, Teresina.

I shall not go after all, not even to please you, dearest friend.