if we look closely, the author gives us an idea of where and when the story takes place. The location of this story is in Paris, France. The author's use of the currency in the form of francs, louis, and sous and the use of the French titles 'M. and Mme.' (monsieur and madame) point to France. Furthermore, characters mention the city by name, the Rue des Martyrs street, as well as the Champs Élysées Avenue, the most famous street in Paris. The party takes place at the Ministry of Education in France, which is located in the heart of Paris, blocks away from the cathedral of Notre Dame and the Seine River.