As he saw that he had no chance of getting rid of her, and that he would only be wasting his time, he said, resignedly: "Will you kindly tell me how the damage was done?" She felt that she had won the victory, and said: "This is how it happened, Monsieur: In our hall there is a bronze stick-and umbrella-stand, and the other day, when I came in, I put my umbrella into it. I must tell you that just above there is a shelf for the candlesticks and matches. I put out my hand, took three or four matches, and struck one, but it missed fire, so I struck another, which ignited, but went out immediately, and a third did the same." The manager interrupted her, to make a joke. "I suppose they were Government matches, then?" She did not understand him, and went on: "Very likely. At any rate, the fourth caught fire, and I lit my candle, and went into my room to go to bed; but in a quarter-of-an-hour I fancied that I smelt something burning, and I have always been terribly afraid of fire. If ever we have an accident it will not be my fault, I assure you. I am terribly nervous since our chimney was on fire, as I told you; so I got up, and hunted about everywhere, sniffing like a dog after game, and at last I noticed that my umbrella was burning. Most likely a match had fallen between the folds and burnt it. You can see how it has damaged it." The manager had taken his clue, and asked her: "What do you estimate the damage at?" She did not know what to say, as she was not certain what amount to put on it, but at last she replied: "Perhaps you had better get it done yourself. I will leave it to you." He, however, naturally refused. "No, Madame, I cannot do that. Tell me the amount of your claim, that is all I want to know." "Well!--I think that--Look here, Monsieur, I do not want to make any money out of you, so I will tell you what we will do. I will take my umbrella to the maker, who will re-cover it in good, durable silk, and I will bring the bill to you. Will that suit you, Monsieur?" "Perfectly, Madame; we will settle it so. Here is a note for the cashier, who will repay you whatever it costs you." He gave Mme. Oreille a slip of paper, who took it, got up and went out, thanking him, for she was in a hurry to escape lest he should change his mind. She went briskly through the streets, looking out for a really good umbrella-maker, and when she found a shop which appeared to be a first class one, she went in, and said, confidently: "I want this umbrella recovered in silk, good silk. Use the very best and strongest you have; I don't mind what it costs." MY UNCLE SOSTHENES