[_Whispers back._] One hundred and sixty dollars, madam.
MRS. HUNTER. Oh, yes. Don't say anything. [_Returning to the others._]
Do you like it?
MISS SILLERTON. Perfectly lovely! }
} [_At the same time._
MISS GODESBY. Immensely. It's great! }
MRS. HUNTER. [_Hesitates._] I forget just what I paid for it, but I
believe it was two hundred dollars.
[CLARA _half exclaims in astonishment, but on being pinched
surreptitiously on the arm by_ MRS. HUNTER _she grasps the situation and
starts in to do her share._
CLARA. Oh, no, mama! I'm sure it was more than that!
MRS. HUNTER. Well, perhaps it was two--twenty or two--twenty-five.
TROTTER. That's cheap, isn't it?
MISS GODESBY. Shut up.
[TOMPSON'S _face is always a perfect blank, showing no expression or
surprise; she has lived with_ MRS. HUNTER _for many years and "knows her
business."_
MISS GODESBY. [_In a very different tone of voice, influenced by the big
price._] Of course, I see it's made of the best material. But it isn't
my color.
MRS. HUNTER. It's the very latest shade.
MISS GODESBY. Yes, I know; but I think as you said a little while ago,
perhaps it is a trifle too old for me.
MRS. HUNTER. I might let you have it for a little less; say one hundred
and eighty.
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