Bahuchet hastened to reply in his shrill falsetto:
"Yes, madame, the sale of the estate described herein, situated on Rue de la Parcheminerie, which street takes its name from the guild of workmen who once lived there, as the custom formerly was; so that we have Rues de la Ferronnerie, de la Heaumerie, de la Coutellerie, and many others. But as Paris increased in size——"
"Very good, young man, very good," said the marquis; "madame has signed, I believe?"
"Yes, monsieur le marquis, that is true; and I have only to take my leave."
And the little clerk pocketed the deed, saluted, and left the room.
Monsieur de Santoval remained for some time talking with his wife. But when he had left her, he called his valet and said:
"Did you see a very small man, with his nose in the air, who went away from the house not long ago?"
"Yes, monsieur le marquis."
"If he comes again to speak with madame, follow him when he goes away; see where he goes, and ascertain whether he speaks to anybody on leaving here. Do you understand?"
"Perfectly, monsieur le marquis; and your orders shall be carried out."