"Ah!" said Nana, who was cutting thin strips of green paper. "A man who cheats on her every day!"
Madame Lerat had to display severity over the muffled laughter. Then Leonie whispered suddenly:
"Quiet. The boss!"
It was indeed Madame Titreville who entered. The tall thin woman usually stayed down in the shop. The girls were quite in awe of her because she never joked with them. All the heads were now bent over the work in diligent silence. Madame Titreville slowly circled the work-table. She told one girl her work was sloppy and made her do the flower over. Then she stalked out as stiffly as she had come in.
The complaining and low laughter began again.
"Really, young ladies!" said Madame Lerat, trying to look more severe than ever. "You will force me to take measures."
The workgirls
