Vautrin
Yet I saw you nibbling at the sideboard; what did you take?
Lafouraille
Nothing—but stay—I took a wineglass of Madeira.
Vautrin What did you do with the dozen of gold spoons that went with the glass of Madeira?
Lafouraille Gold spoons! I've searched diligently, but find nothing of that kind in my memory.
Vautrin Possibly; but you will find them in your mattress. And was Philosopher also absent-minded?
Lafouraille Poor Philosopher! Since morning he has been a laughing-stock below stairs. He induced a coachman who was very young to strip off his gold lace for him. It was all false on the underside. In these days masters are thieves. You cannot be sure of anything, more's the pity.
Vautrin (whistles) This is no joking matter. You will make me lose the house: this must be put a stop to—Here, father Buteux, ahoy! Philosopher! Come here. Fil-de-Soie! My dear friends, let us have a clearing up. You are a pack of scoundrels.
SCENE THIRD. The same persons, Buteux, Philosopher and Fil-de-Soie.
Buteux
Present! Is the house on fire?
Fil-de-Soie
Is it some one burning with curiosity?