The same sums of money could not have bought as much mingled advertisement and immunity in any other way.
'Of course,' observed Alphonsine, seeing that Margaret would soon be able to speak again, 'money is no object to Madame either!' This subtle flattery was evidently meant to forestall reproof.

But Margaret was now splashing vigorously, and as both taps were running the noise was as loud as that of a small waterfall; possibly she had not even heard the maid's last speech.
Some one knocked at the door, and knocked a second time almost directly.

The Primadonna pushed Alphonsine with her elbow, speaking being still impossible, and the woman understood that she was to answer the summons.
She asked who was knocking, and some one answered.
'It is Mr.Griggs,' said Alphonsine.
'Ask him to wait,' Margaret succeeded in saying.
Alphonsine transmitted the message through the closed door, and listened for the answer.
'He says that there is a lady dying in the manager's room, who wants Madame,' said the maid, repeating what she heard.
Margaret stood upright, turned quickly, and crossed the room to the door, mopping her face with a towel.
'Who is it ?' she asked in an anxious tone.
'I'm Griggs,' said a deep voice.

'Come at once, if you can, for the poor girl cannot last long.' 'One minute! Don't go away--I'm coming out.' Alphonsine never lost her head.

A theatrical dresser who does is of no use.