"Why, my dear fellow, I am not in the least offended; a great many people have mothers who are--who are not precisely noble. That does not prevent your being a man whom I esteem beyond measure, nor does it make your dinner any the less delicious. But there are people in society who are not so sensible as I am, and in whose estimation this may do you an injury. To say nothing of the fact that our dear mamma is getting tipsy, and I don't know what she may not sing us before she is through." "And to think that I expect more than eighty people to-night for the ball--the most fashionable and most distinguished people in Paris! Save me, monsieur le marquis; I lay my purse, my cash-box, my credit, at your feet!" "My dear La Thomassinière, my friendship for you is an sufficient motive to--However, I believe that I have a note for six thousand francs to meet to-morrow." "You will allow me to attend to that, monsieur le marquis." "We must devise some way to make everybody leave the house." "Yes, and as soon as possible." "Wait--I have an idea--Yes, on my word, it's an excellent idea." "Ah! monsieur le marquis! my gratitude----" "It may cost you rather dear, but I see no other resource." "I am ready to make every possible sacrifice." "Very good; let me set to work. Go back to the table as if nothing were in the wind. Tell your servants to carry out my orders, and await their effect." "Lafleur, Jasmin, Comtois, obey monsieur le marquis rather than myself." The marquis left the dining-room, followed by the servants, and La Thomassinière returned to the table. Coffee and liqueurs were served. The marquis soon reappeared and resumed his seat beside Madame Thomas, reassuring his host with a glance. Mère Thomas hummed as she drank her coffee. "My children," she said, "we must have a dance to-night; I feel twenty year younger. Thomas, you'll take a turn, I hope? Give me a glass, marquis; but none of that sugary stuff that sticks in your gullet. Give me something stiff and strong, my friend; that's the only kind that makes you feel good." Madame Thomas had taken two petits verres of brandy, one of rum and one of kirsch; she was declaring that they were very refreshing, and seemed disposed to go on drinking, when a cloud of smoke arose in the courtyard and found its way into the rooms. The guests looked at each other uneasily. "Seems to me there's a bit of a fog," said Mère Thomas; "it smells like something burning; be any of you sitting on a foot-warmer?" The servants rushed into the room, shouting in dismay: "The house is on fire!" "Fire!" cried all the guests, springing from their chairs. Mère Thomas alone remained seated. "Well! all you got to do is fling water on it!" she said. "My house on fire!" said Monsieur de la Thomassinière, glancing at the marquis. "How can it have happened? Ah! there was a pile of straw--somebody must have dropped a match on it. Look, monsieur, see what a smoke there is in the courtyard!"