The poor woman set herself to figuring diligently for some time;
and then timidly, for the sum seemed formidable to her:

"I think," she began, "that with a hundred francs--"

Her husband commenced whistling.

"You'll need that for the wines alone;" he interrupted. "Do you
take me for a fool? But here, don't let us go into figures. Do as
your parents did when they did their best; and, if it's well, I
shall not complain of the expense. Take a good cook, hire a waiter
who understands his business well."

She was utterly confounded; and yet she was not at the end of her
surprises.

Soon M. Favoral declared that their table-ware was not suitable, and
that he must buy a new set. He discovered a hundred purchases to
be made, and swore that he would make them. He even hesitated a
moment about renewing the parlor furniture, although it was in
tolerably good condition still, and was a present from his
father-in-law.

And, having finished his inventory:

"And you," he asked his wife: "what dress will you wear?"

"I have my black silk dress--"