"And why should we trust you with one hundred francs?" asked Madame
Depine. "You might botch the work."
"Or fly to Italy," added the "Princess."
In the end it was agreed he should have fifty down and fifty on
delivery.
"Measure us, while we are here," said Madame Depine. "I will bring you
the fifty francs immediately."
"Very well," he murmured. "Which of you?"
But Madame Valiere was already affectionately untying Madame Depine's
bonnet-strings. "It is for my friend," she cried. "And let it be as
_chic_ and _convenable_ as possible!"