“Look here. Before twenty-four hours have elapsed I must know everything as to the habits and disposition of Gandelu senior. I want to know on what terms he is with his son.”
“Good. I will set La Candele to work.”
“And as the young fellow will doubtless need money, contrive to let him know of our friend Verminet, the chairman of the Mutual Loan Society.”
“But that is M. Tantaine’s business.”
Mascarin paid no heed to this, so occupied was he by his own thoughts.
“This young artist seems to have more brains than the rest of the set, but woe to him if he crosses my path. Go back to the outer office, Beaumarchef, I hear some clients coming in.”
The man, however, did not obey.
“Pardon me, sir,” said he, “but La Candele, who is outside, will see them. I have my report to make.”
“Very good. Sit down and go on.”
Enchanted at this mark of condescension, Beaumarchef went on. “Yesterday there was nothing of importance, but this morning Toto Chupin came.”