“It is quite true, Marie. A terrible fact.”
“And that creature, Victoire, was boasting through the market that her master was in attendance all night.”
“I am sorry to hear that Monseigneur required it.”
“But, monsieur—”
“Well?”
“You are ruined!”
“I? Not at all.”
“Monsieur Pinot at the Evêché!”
“We will get him an introduction to the Préfecture.”
“Monsieur should not jest. I shall never be able to hold up my head at the market again.”