In this story by Honoré de Balzac, an elderly French doctor entertains guests at a dinner party by relating how he was able to solve the mystery of a dilapidated, abandoned mansion by seducing a hotel maid. Upon completion of his narration the story continues: all the ladies rose from table … But there were some among them who had almost shivered at the last words. Themes include social class, marriage, betrayal, vengeance, and gallantry (on the part of the Spanish noble for the way he faced death without giving his lover away).