But a solitary lady's maid was no longer sufficient.

A butler, a coachman, a porter and a cook were wanted.

Besides, it was necessary to fill the stables.

It was then that Labordette made himself most useful.

He undertook to perform all sorts of errands which bored the count; he made a comfortable job of the purchase of horses; he visited the coachbuilders; he guided the young woman in her choice of things.