At last, they became quiet and I allowed them to enter the box again.

The laughter at once recommenced; and, this time, I had them turned out definitely.
"Send for the inspector," said Richard to his secretary, who had already read the report and marked it with blue pencil.
M.Remy, the secretary, had foreseen the order and called the inspector at once.
"Tell us what happened," said Richard bluntly.
The inspector began to splutter and referred to the report.
"Well, but what were those people laughing at ?" asked Moncharmin.
"They must have been dining, sir, and seemed more inclined to lark about than to listen to good music.

The moment they entered the box, they came out again and called the box-keeper, who asked them what they wanted.

They said, 'Look in the box: there's no one there, is there ?' 'No,' said the woman.

'Well,' said they, 'when we went in, we heard a voice saying THAT THE BOX WAS TAKEN!'" M.Moncharmin could not help smiling as he looked at M.Richard; but M.
Richard did not smile.