Twenty-two winter gowns on order, and nineteen of them are aimed at the same seat on the same day. This is the season when a seat gets tailored before the dress does.

• Empress MathildeWhere does mine fall in the order?
  Madame RosetteYours is always in the first box, Majesty.
• Maid NoraI'll bet a whole day's bread that three of those twenty-two get cancelled.
  Madame RosetteBet a needle, not bread, child.