"Ah, is there a ball in the house?"
"Yes, mademoiselle; Mortimer & Co. give their only daughter in marriage to-day; if, then, mademoiselle is invited?"
"No."
"Then mademoiselle came upon business matters?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Then I am really sorry that I cannot announce mademoiselle; my orders are very strict."
"You refuse to obey me?"
"I regret very much, but—"
"In this case I must myself try to procure a hearing. Back!"
Ere the frightened porter could hinder it, Clary had given the horse the spurs and they crossed the threshold. Madame Caraman followed courageously, and then they stopped in the midst of the vestibule, ornamented with exotic plants, candelabra, and various hangings of the richest and rarest description. A number of lackeys felt perplexed when they perceived so unexpectedly the beautiful horses stepping on the carpets placed in the fore-court; some dozens of hands were stretched out in order to stay the horses, but they played a wrong game.