Mademoiselle Saget then made her way back to the Rue Pirouette, and greatly frightened the fish-girl by telling her that she had just seen her photograph in Lisa’s pocket.  She could not, however, at once prevail upon her to comply with her rival’s terms.  La Normande propounded conditions of her own.  She would go, but Madame Quenu must come to the door of the shop to receive her.  Thus the old maid was obliged to make another couple of journeys between the two rivals before their meeting could be satisfactorily arranged.  At last, however, to her great delight, she succeeded in negotiating the peace which was destined to cause so much talk and excitement.  As she passed Claire’s door for the last time she still heard the sound of the scissors scraping away at the plaster.

When she had at last carried a definite reply to Madame Quenu, Mademoiselle Saget hurried off to find Madame Lecoeur and La Sarriette; and all three of them took up their position on the footway at the corner of the fish market, just in front of the pork shop.  Here they would be certain to have a good view of every detail of the meeting.  They felt extremely impatient, and while pretending to chat together kept an anxious look-out in the direction of the Rue Pirouette, along which La Normande must come.  The news of the reconciliation was already travelling through the markets, and while some saleswomen stood up behind their stalls trying to get a view of what was taking place, others, still more inquisitive, actually left their places and took up a position in the covered way.  Every eye in the markets was directed upon the pork shop; the whole neighbourhood was on the tip-toe of expectation.

It was a very solemn affair.  When La Normande at last turned the corner of the Rue Pirouette the excitement was so great that the women held their breath.

“She has got her diamonds on,” murmured La Sarriette.

“Just look how she stalks along,” added Madame Lecoeur; “the stuck-up creature!”

The beautiful Norman was, indeed, advancing with the mien of a queen who condescends to make peace.  She had made a most careful toilet, frizzing her hair and turning up a corner of her apron to display her cashmere skirt.  She had even put on a new and rich lace bow.  Conscious that the whole market was staring at her, she assumed a still haughtier air as she approached the pork shop.  When she reached the door she stopped.

“Now it’s beautiful Lisa’s turn,” remarked Mademoiselle Saget.  “Mind you pay attention.”

Beautiful Lisa smilingly quitted her counter.  She crossed the shop-floor at a leisurely pace, and came and offered her hand to the beautiful Norman.  She also was smartly dressed, with her dazzling linen and scrupulous neatness.  A murmur ran through the crowd of fish-wives, all their heads gathered close together, and animated chatter ensued.  The two women had gone inside the shop, and the crepines in the window prevented them from being clearly seen.  However, they seemed to be conversing affectionately, addressing pretty compliments to one another.