Then the constable, followed by the provost, went to the latter's house in less time than it would have taken a beggar to empty the poor-box.
"Hullo! there, hi!"
Hearing the noise made by the men, which threatened to bring the walls about their ears, the maid-servant opened the door, yawning and stretching her arms. The constable and the provost rushed into the room, where, with great difficulty, they succeeded in waking the lady, who pretended to be terrified, and was so soundly asleep that her eyes were full of gum. At this the provost was in great glee, saying to the constable that someone had certainly deceived him, that his wife was a virtuous woman, and was more astonished than any of them at these proceedings. The constable turned on his heel and departed. The good provost began directly to undress to get to bed early, since this adventure had brought his good wife to his memory. When he was harnessing himself, and was knocking off his nether garments, madame, still astonished, said to him—
"Oh, my dear husband, what is the meaning of all this uproar—this constable and his pages, and why did he come to see if I was asleep? Is it to be henceforward part of a constable's duty to look after our . . ."
"I do not know," said the provost, interrupting her, to tell her what had happened to him.
"And you saw without my permission a lady of the court! Ha! ha! heu! heu! hein!"
Then she began to moan, to weep, and to cry in such a deplorable manner and so loudly, that her lord was quite aghast.
"What's the matter, my darling? What is it? What do you want?"
"Ah! You won't love me any more are after seeing how beautiful court ladies are!"
"Nonsense, my child! They are great ladies. I don't mind telling you in confidence; they are great ladies in every respect."