Chapter Seven“It said in the newspaper today,” Theresa said, “that laundry women in Paris receive two francs a day and a sewing woman is lucky if she can earn three or five. I cannot imagine why people like you, monsieur, don’t do something about such appalling wages.”
The Marquis, watching her accusing eyes, said nothing and Theresa went on,
“I am quite certain you are aware that sixteen hundred francs is considered quite cheap for a gown for the Empress and other ‘ladies’ in Paris!”
She emphasised the word ‘ladies’ and it was obvious from the scorn in her voice whom she meant.
“On the other hand,” the Marquis objected in his dry calm voice, “when the Empress bought silk from Lyons, it doubled the number of workers there and the same applies to the lace-makers and those who make artif
