They walked slowly towards the Hotel des Tourterelles.
"If one could share a wig!" Madame Depine exclaimed suddenly.
"It is an idea," replied Madame Valiere. And then each stared
involuntarily at the other's head. They had shared so many things
that this new possibility sounded like a discovery. Pleasing pictures
flitted before their eyes--the country cousin received (on a Box
and Cox basis) by a Parisian old gentlewoman _sans peur_ and _sans
reproche_; a day of seclusion for each alternating with a day of
ostentatious publicity.
But the light died out of their eyes, as Madame Depine recognised
that the "Princess's" skull was hopelessly long, and Madame Valiere
recognised that Madame Depine's cranium was hopelessly round.
Decidedly either head would be a bad block for the other's wig to
repose on.
"It would be more sensible to acquire a wig together, and draw lots
for it," said Madame Depine.
The "Princess's" eyes rekindled. "Yes, and then save up again to buy
the loser a wig."
"_Parfaitement_" said Madame Depine. They had slid out of pretending
that they had large sums immediately available. Certain sums still
existed in vague stockings for dowries or presents, but these, of
course, could not be touched. For practical purposes it was understood
that neither had the advantage of the other, and that the few francs
a month by which Madame Depine's income exceeded Madame Valiere's were
neutralised by the superior rent she paid for her comparative immunity
from steam-trams. The accumulation of fifty francs apiece was thus a
limitless perspective.
They discussed their budget. It was really almost impossible to cut
down anything. By incredible economies they saw their way to saving
a franc a week each. But fifty weeks! A whole year, allowing for
sickness and other breakdowns! Who can do penance for a whole year?
They thought of moving to an even cheaper hotel; but then in the
course of years Madame Valiere had fallen three weeks behind with the
rent, and Madame Depine a fortnight, and these arrears would have to
be paid up. The first council ended in despair. But in the silence of
the night Madame Depine had another inspiration. If one suppressed the
lottery for a season!
On the average each speculated a full franc a week, with scarcely
a gleam of encouragement. Two francs a week each--already the year
becomes six months! For six months one can hold out. Hardships shared
are halved, too. It will seem scarce three months. Ah, how good are
the blessed saints!
But over the morning coffee Madame Valiere objected that they might
win the whole hundred francs in a week!
It was true; it was heartbreaking.
Madame Depine made a reckless reference to her brooch, but the
Princess had a gesture of horror. "And wear your heart on your shawl
when your friends come?" she exclaimed poetically. "Sooner my watch
shall go, since that at least is hidden in my bosom!"
"Heaven forbid!" ejaculated Madame Depine. "But if you sold the other
things hidden in your bosom!"
"How do you mean?"
"The Royal Secrets."