Violette was waiting in the antechamber until the senator and Grevin could see him on business, to arrange a matter relating to his lease.

At that moment five men, masked and gloved, who in height, manner, and bearing strongly resembled the Simeuse and d'Hauteserre brothers and Michu, rushed into the antechamber, seized and gagged the valet and Violette, and fastened them to their chairs in a side room.

In spite of the rapidity with which this was done, Violette and the servant had time to utter one cry.

It was heard in the salon.

The two ladies thought it a cry of fear.
"Listen!" said Madame Grevin, "can there be robbers ?" "No, nonsense!" said Grevin, "only carnival cries; the masqueraders must be coming to pay us a visit." This discussion gave time for the four strangers to close the doors towards the courtyards and to lock up Violette and the valet.