"
As she said this she pointed to a partition with windows of ground
glass, which extended across the farther end of the store, evidently
forming a private department for trying on hats and bonnets. Quincy said
nothing, but taking out his cardcase passed one to the attendant.
The girl walked towards the boudoir, opened the door and entered. Quincy
followed her, and was but a few feet from the door when it was closed.
He heard a woman's voice say, "What is it, Hortense?" And the girl's
reply was distinctly audible. This is what she said, "A veezitor,
mademoiselle."
An instant's silence, followed by a smothered cry of astonishment,
evidently from mademoiselle. Then ensued a short conversation, carried
on in whispers. Then Hortense emerged from the boudoir, and facing
Quincy said, "Ze mademoiselle weel not zee you. She has no desire to
continue ze acquaintance."
As she said this she stepped behind the counter, evidently thinking that
Quincy would accept the rebuff and depart. Instead of doing this he took
a step forward, which brought him between Hortense and the door of the
boudoir.
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