Not long ago one newly affluent woman presented herself at the small and very exclusive hat shop that had been recommended to her.
"Pierre," she exclaimed, "I must have a new hat of startling design. "It must be absolutely original and I must have it now. "What can you do for me?"
"Let me see," Pierre muttered. Having been in this business for many years he was used to such requests and remained a resourceful man. Pulling out a length of ribbon, colored a striking shade of orange, he cut it deftly and then began to fold with the skill of the experienced designer. He wove it into shape and a few minutes later, without pinning or clipping in any way, he had a hat ready.
The woman looked at herself in the mirror with awe.
"Marvelous," she exclaimed. "How much?"
"Five hundred dollars, Madame," came the reply.
Her less than self-sufficient years had taken their toll and the woman protested,
"Isn't that rather high for a length of ribbon?"
Without a word Pierre removed the hat and, as skillfully as he had prepared, now unwound it into a neat pile. Whereupon he presented it to the lady and spoke,
"The ribbon itself, dear Madame: it is yours for nothing."