Book excerpt: Guy de Maupassant (1850 – 1893) was a popular French writer, considered one of the fathers of the modern short story and one of the form's finest exponents. Maupassant was a protégé of Flaubert and his stories are characterized by economy of style and efficient, effortless dénouements (outcomes). Content: Mademoiselle Fifi Ball of Fat / Boule de Suif An Adventure in Paris / Une Aventure Parisienne Madame Baptiste Rust / La Rouille Marroca / Marroca The Log / La Bûche The Relic / La Relique The Bed / Le Lit Am I Insane? / Fou? Words of Love / Mots d'Amour Two Friends / Deux Amis Christmas Eve / Nuit de Noël The Substitute / Le Remplaçant