My friends, in this selfish age people are suspicious, and the purest intentions are often misconstrued.

Paul, you plead for _wood_; Jean, defend _butter_; and I will devote myself to domestic _swine_.

It is best to head off invidious suspicions.

_Paul and Jean_ (leaving).

Upon my word, what a clever fellow! SECOND TABLEAU.
_The Common Council._ _Paul._ My dear colleagues, every day great quantities of wood come into Paris, and draw out of it large sums of money.