"Hmmmm?" The noise was muffled, and in this shop, as cluttered as it was, the noise could have been from anywhere amongst the mass of wardrobes, chairs, desks, ornaments and, over in one corner, a dusty marble fire surround, at least a man's height. How that had ever come through the door was a mystery.
"Une moment!" The voice called again, sounding slightly closer this time, but it was followed by a flurry of coughs and a cloud of dust from the long counter at the gloomy far end of the shop, disguised by the amount of books, statuettes, musical instruments, clocks and folded fabrics placed upon it. And then he appeared, patting the dust from his waistcoat and trousers before glancing up at the young lady, "Forgive me, Mademoiselle, but the stock required my attentions." He said, picking his way carefully through the piles towards her.