The work of the house was performed by proper
servants and male domestics, chosen expressly for their age and
ugliness. They were paid high, but in return for the least
indiscretion on their part, they were sent to linger out their
existence in a state prison. A severe watch was kept over every
person of either sex in this mysterious establishment. It was
requisite, in fact, that an impenetrable veil should be cast over
the frailties of the king; and that the public should know nothing
of what occurred at the
.
The general term was applied to the young persons who
were kept there. They were of all ages from nine to eighteen
years. Until fifteen they were kept in total ignorance of the
city which they inhabited. When they attained that age, no more
mystery was made of it; they only endeavoured to prevent them
from believing that they were destined for the king's service.
Sometimes they were told that they were imprisoned as well as
their family; sometimes, a lover rich and powerful kept them
concealed to satisfy his love. One thought she belonged to a
German prince, another to an English lord. There were some,
however, who, better informed, either by their predecessors, or
by chance, knew precisely what was in store for them, and accordingly
built some exceedingly fine castles in the air. But when they
were suspected to be so knowing, they were sent away, and either
married (if pregnant), or compelled to enter a cloister or chapter.
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