A French Encounter - At A Price

Come midday, groups were standing around in the hotel lobby exchanging last bits of conversation. Almost inevitably I found myself standing with Liliane's husband as well as the New York head of our business. We were discussing a deal that the Paris office had in which our boss wanted my increased involvement.

"I want Robert to come to Paris for a few days, maybe 2 weeks. He can help you see this one through," said the American.

At this point, the wives of both men appeared laughing and chatting, a designer bag or two on their arms.

"Ah, Liliane," said her husband, "what have you gone and bought now?"

Liliane pulled from her carrier bag a richly decorated handbag.

"Another handbag?" pondered her husband. "And how much, may I ask, did that cost?"

"300 Euros," replied Liliane.