What role does gossip play in the market?

Chapter 3 signals the importance of information (false and otherwise) to the daily workings of Les Halles. Information in the form of gossip is a valuable commodity in Florent's new Paris. Mademoiselle Saget, the most vicious gossip in the Les Halles neighborhood, lives for the opportunity to spread what she knows. Mademoiselle Saget is able to trade gossip for bits of food.