As for me, the head and chief, it would not do to remain an idle looker-on.

Our funds had dwindled down a good deal, and, after mature consideration, I decided to hire this house, and open a Servants' Registry Office.

Such an occupation would not attract any attention, and in the end it turned out a perfect success, as my friends can testify." Catenac and Hortebise both nodded assent.
"By the system which I have adopted," resumed Mascarin, "the wealthy and respectable man is as strictly watched in his own house as is the condemned wretch in his cell; for no act of his escapes the eyes of the servants whom we have placed around him.

He can hardly even conceal his thoughts from us.

Even the very secret that he has murmured to his wife with closed doors reaches our ears." The Marquis gave a supercilious smile.
"You must have had some inkling of this," observed Mascarin, "for you have never taken a servant from our establishment; but for all that, I am as well posted up in your affairs as yourself.