<P> "The Necklace" or "The Diamond Necklace" (French: La Parure) is an 1884 short story by French writer Guy de Maupassant . It is known for its twist ending (Ironic ending), which was a hallmark of de Maupassant's style . The story was first published on 17 February 1884 in the French newspaper Le Gaulois . </P> <P> The story has been adapted to film and television several times . </P> <P> Mme . Loisel has always imagined herself an aristocrat, despite being born into a lower - middle - class family (which she describes as an "accident of fate"). She marries a low - paid clerk who tries his best to make her happy but has little to give . Through lots of begging at work, her husband is able to get an invitation for the both of them to the Ministry of Education party . Mathilde refuses to go, for she has nothing to wear, and wishes not to be embarrassed . </P> <P> Her husband is upset to see her displeasure and, using all the money that he was saving to buy a hunting rifle, gives Mathilde 400 francs to use . Mathilde buys a dress but is still unhappy because she lacks jewels to wear with it . The couple does not have much money left, so her husband suggests that she should buy flowers to wear with it . After Mathilde disagrees, he suggests borrowing something from her friend, Madame Jeanne Forestier . Mathilde borrows Madame Forestier's fanciest piece, a huge diamond necklace . After attending the party, Mathilde discovers that she has lost the necklace . She tries to find a quick way to replace it . She goes to the Palais - Royal shop and finds a similar necklace for 40,000 francs but they could get it in 36,000 francs . The couple sells everything they own and must secure loans at high interest rates to pay for the necklace . </P>

Where does the short story the necklace take place