"What an absurd idea!"
"There will be a great many people there."
"True; but they will be the best people in town, as the ball is given by the father-in-law of the presiding judge."
"Undoubtedly, madame, but I think I have heard that people chaff each other a good deal at these masquerade balls, and if monsieur, being quick-tempered, should take offence—"
"You are right, Suzanne. I had not thought of that."
"I don't like to worry you, madame, still—"
"On the other hand, my husband is too much of a gentleman, and too used to the ways of the world, to take offence at any of the liberties permissible at such an entertainment; besides, his intimate relations with the court over which M. Bonneval's son-in-law presides make it almost obligatory upon him to attend this ball, for it having been agreed that all the members of the court should go, Yvon's absence might be considered a mark of disrespect to the presiding judge, to whom my husband is really subordinate."
"My poor lady! if she but knew how her husband evinces his subordination to the presiding judge," thought Suzanne.
"No, you need have no fear, Suzanne," continued the young wife, "the presiding judge's very presence at this entertainment, the deference Yvon must feel for him, will necessitate the maintenance of the utmost decorum on his part; besides, my husband's absence would be sure to excite remark."
"Still, madame—"