Paul, not wishing to appear to listen, examined the consulting-room, as Van Klopen termed it. He saw a great number of large scissors, yard measures, and patterns of material, and heaps of fashion plates. By this time the two men had finished their conversation. “I had,” said Mascarin, as they returned to the fireplace, “I had meant to glance through the books; but you have so many customers waiting, that I had better defer doing so.” “Is that all that hinders you?” returned Van Klopen, carelessly. “Wait a moment.” He left the room, and in another moment his voice was heard. “I am sorry, ladies, very sorry, on my word; but I am busy with my silk mercer. I shall not be very long.” “We will wait,” returned the ladies in chorus. “That is the way,” remarked Van Klopen, as he returned to the consulting-room. “Be civil to women, and they turn their backs on you; try and keep them off, and they run after you. If I was to put up ‘no admittance’ over my door, the street would be blocked up with women. Business has never been better,” continued the tailor, producing a large ledger. “Within the last ten days we have had in orders amounting to eighty-seven thousand francs.” “Good!” answered Mascarin; “but let us have a look at the column headed ‘Doubtful.’” “Here you are,” returned the arbiter of fashion, as he turned over the leaves. “Mademoiselle Virginie Cluhe has ordered five theatrical costumes, two dinner, and three morning dresses.” “That is a heavy order.” “I wanted for that reason to consult you. She doesn’t owe us much--perhaps a thousand francs or so.” “That is too much, for I hear that her friend has come to grief. Do not decline the order, but avoid taking fresh ones.” Van Klopen made a few mysterious signs in the margin of his ledger. “On the 6th of this month the Countess de Mussidan gave us an order--a perfectly plain dress for her daughter. Her account is a very heavy one, and the Count has warned us that he will not pay it.” “Never mind that. Go on with the order, put press for payment.” “On the 7th a new customer came--Mademoiselle Flavia, the daughter of Martin Rigal, the banker.” When Paul heard this name, he could not repress a start, of which, however, Mascarin affected to take no notice. “My good friend,” said he, turning to Van Klopen, “I confide this young lady to you; give her your whole stock if she asks for it.” By the look of surprise which appeared upon the tailor’s face, Paul could see that Mascarin was not prodigal of such recommendations. “You shall be obeyed,” said Van Klopen, with a bow. “On the 8th a young gentleman of the name of Gaston de Gandelu was introduced by Lupeaux, the jeweller. His father is, I hear, very wealthy, and he will come into money on attaining his majority, which is near at hand. He brought with him a lady,” continued the tailor, “and said her name was Zora de Chantemille, a tremendously pretty girl.”