I was at Pequignot's, one of my friends who deals in furniture in the Grand Rue de la Chapelle.

The Count of Chambord had forgotten his umbrella there the day before; so he came in, and just simply said, like this: 'Will you please return me my umbrella ?' Well, yes, it was him; Pequignot gave me his word of honor it was." Not one of the guests suggested the smallest doubt.

They had now arrived at dessert and the waiters were clearing the table with much clattering of dishes.

Madame Lorilleux, who up to then had been very genteel, very much the lady, suddenly let fly with a curse.

One of the waiters had spilled something wet down her neck while removing a dish.