Some convivial spirit had lost his balance and had fallen to the floor, dragging with him several bottles.
Without heeding these sounds, the marquis continued his monologue.

"Yes, I will save him.

But not with kindly words, with promises, with appeals; he would laugh at me.

No, Madame; human nature such as his does not stir to these when they come from the lips of one he does not hold in respect.
The shock must be rude, penetrating.

I must break his pride.