That which struck Godefroid most forcibly at first was the profound
respect which the four lodgers manifested for Madame de la Chanterie.
They all seemed, even the priest, in spite of the sacred character his
functions gave him, to regard her as a queen. Godefroid also noticed
their sobriety. Each seemed to eat only for nourishment. Madame de la
Chanterie took, as did the rest, a single peach and half a bunch of
grapes; but she told her new lodger, as she offered him the various
dishes, not to imitate such temperance.

Godefroid's curiosity was excited to the highest degree by this first
entrance on his new life. When they returned to the salon after
breakfast, he was left alone; Madame de la Chanterie retired to the
embrasure of a window and held a little private council with her four
friends. This conference, entirely devoid of animation, lasted half an
hour. They spoke together in a low voice, exchanging words which each
of them appeared to have thought over. From time to time Monsieur
Alain and Monsieur Joseph consulted a note-book, turning over its
leaves.

"See the faubourg," said Madame de la Chanterie to Monsieur Joseph,
who left the house.

That was the only word Godefroid distinguished.

"And you the Saint-Marceau quarter," she continued, addressing
Monsieur Nicolas. "Hunt through the faubourg Saint-Germain and see if
you can find what we want;" this to the Abbe de Veze, who went away
immediately. "And you, my dear Alain," she added, smiling at the
latter, "make an examination. There, those important matters are all
settled," she said, returning to Godefroid.