Madame Orphee Dubois

Twelve guests came this Thursday. Fourteen the week before. I have a habit of counting.

• Lady Henrietta StanhopeMadame, I sit in a different seat on Thursdays. I hope that gives no offence.
  Madame Orphee DuboisOffence, never. Though I do wonder, myself, what that seat gives back to you.
• Gertie MaddoxThere's a story sitting somewhere between twelve and fourteen, Madame. Which way shall I write it?
  Madame Orphee DuboisOnly spell my name correctly. The rest I leave to your talent, dear.

Greylight candles run half a guinea apiece, sold only in Mayfair. When another stage carries that same scent, I count the cost before anything else.

• Cyril AshbyIf you'll give me the supplier in writing, cross-checking the register will go far more smoothly.
  Madame Orphee DuboisDoes the Clerk take even a scent by paperwork?
• Gertie MaddoxHalf a guinea for a candle. That line alone fills my column for the day, Madame.
  Madame Orphee DuboisFill it, then. Only get my parlour's address exactly right.