_A Servant_--There are some people in the little parlor who say they have an appointment with Monsieur Poirier. _Poirier_--Very well, ask them to wait a moment. [_The servant goes out_.] Your creditors, son-in-law. _Gaston_--Yours, my dear father-in-law. I've turned them over to you. _Duke_--As a wedding present. THE FEELINGS OF AN ARTIST From 'M. Poirier's Son-in-Law' _Poirier_ [_alone_]--How vexatious he is, that son-in-law of mine! and there's no way to get rid of him. He'll die a nobleman, for he will do nothing and he is good for nothing.--There's no end to the money he costs me.--He is master of my house.--I'll put a stop to it. [_He rings. Enter a servant_.] Send up the porter and the cook. We shall see my son-in-law! I have set up my back. I've unsheathed my velvet paws. You will make no concessions, eh, my fine gentleman? Take your comfort! I will not yield either: you may remain marquis, and I will again become a _bourgeois_. At least I'll have the pleasure of living to my fancy. _The Porter_--Monsieur has sent for me? _Poirier_--Yes, François, Monsieur has sent for you. You can put the sign on the door at once. _The Porter_--The sign? _Poirier_--"To let immediately, a magnificent apartment on the first floor, with stables and carriage houses." _The Porter_--The apartment of Monsieur le Marquis? _Poirier_--You have said it, François. _The Porter_--But Monsieur le Marquis has not given the order. _Poirier_--Who is the master here, donkey? Who owns this mansion? _The Porter_--You, Monsieur. _Poirier_--Then do what I tell you without arguing. _The Porter_--Yes, Monsieur. [_Enter Vatel_.] _Poirier_--Go, François. [_Exit Porter_.] Come in, Monsieur Vatel: you are getting up a big dinner for to-morrow? _Vatel_--Yes, Monsieur, and I venture to say that the menu would not be disowned by my illustrious ancestor himself. It is really a work of art, and Monsieur Poirier will be astonished. _Poirier_--Have you the menu with you? _Vatel_--No, Monsieur, it is being copied; but I know it by heart. _Poirier_--Then recite it to me. _Vatel_--Le potage aux ravioles à l'Italienne et le potage à l'orge à la Marie Stuart. _Poirier_--You will replace these unknown concoctions by a good meat soup, with some vegetables on a plate. _Vatel_--What, Monsieur? _Poirier_--I mean it. Go on. _Vatel_--Relevé. La carpe du Rhin à la Lithuanienne, les poulardes à la Godard--le filet de boeuf braisé aux raisins à la Napolitaine, le jambon de Westphalie, rotie madère. _Poirier_--Here is a simpler and far more sensible fish course: brill with caper sauce--then Bayonne ham with spinach, and a savory stew of bird, with well-browned rabbit. _Vatel_--But, Monsieur Poirier--I will never consent. _Poirier_--I am master--do you hear? Go on. _Vatel_--Entrées. Les filets de volaille à la concordat--les croustades de truffe garniés de foies à la royale, le faison étoffe à la Montpensier, les perdreaux rouges farcis à la bohemienne.