That was a mobility impelled by an active, inquisitive soul, trying to observe what was going on in the world, and to make sure that its possessor was being seen by the world.
This activity was that of a mind essentially concerned to find how many ways it could see for escape from a maze of things; while his vanity was taking new forms.

It was always anxious to discover if the world was trying to know how he was taking the blows of fate and fortune.

He had been determined that, whatever came, it should not see him paralysed or broken.
As M.Fille only nodded his head in sorrowful assent, the Big Financier became more explicit.

He was determined to lose nothing by Jean Jacques, and he was prepared to take instant action when it was required; but he was also interested in the man who might have done really powerful things in the world, had he gone about them in the right way.
"M.

Barbille has had some lawsuits this year, is it not so ?" he asked.
"Two of importance, monsieur, and one is not yet decided," answered M.
Fille.
"He lost those suits of importance ?" "That is so, monsieur." "And they cost him six thousand dollars--and over ?" The Big Financier seemed to be pressing towards a point.
"Something over that amount, monsieur." "And he may lose the suit now before the Courts ?" "Who can tell, monsieur!" vaguely commented the little learned official.
M.Mornay was not to be evaded.