Chapter 2 Summary

Too early to apply for a job, Denise waits awkwardly outside Au Bonheur des Dames while Mouret rushes into the store. He goes to his study and meets with his right-hand man, Bourdoncle. Together, they start a thorough inspection of the store. They start in the reception area, where crates of goods are being unloaded in preparation for a big sale. In reception, Mouret and Bourdoncle meet Bouthemont, the buyer in the silk department. Mouret and Bourdoncle argue about the price of the special silk on which they are staking the store's future. Bouthemont also describes his difficulties with Gaujean, the silk manufacturer.

Mouret and Bourdoncle move to the dispatch department, where they discuss a mistake in a delivery from the previous day. After touring the mail order department, Bourdoncle reprimands Albert, the son of the ladies' wear buyer and a cash desk...