CHAPTER I.
"Well, Monsieur Guillaume, what is the news this evening ?" "None that I know of, Monsieur Justin, except that Mademoiselle Rose is to be married to-morrow." "Much obliged, my respectable old friend, for so interesting and unexpected a reply to my question.

Considering that I am the valet of Monsieur Danville, who plays the distinguished part of bridegroom in the little wedding comedy to which you refer, I think I may assure you, without offense, that your news is, so far as I am concerned, of the stalest possible kind.

Take a pinch of snuff, Monsieur Guillaume, and excuse me if I inform you that my question referred to public news, and not to the private affairs of the two families whose household interests we have the pleasure of promoting." "I don't understand what you mean by such a phrase as promoting household interests, Monsieur Justin.

I am the servant of Monsieur Louis Trudaine, who lives here with his sister, Mademoiselle Rose.

You are the servant of Monsieur Danville, whose excellent mother has made up the match for him with my young lady.