Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/213

Rh "It is true I am somewhat pale, marquise; but it is from overwork; the king yesterday required a supply of money from me."

"Yes, four millions; I am aware of it."

"You know it?" exclaimed Fouquet, in a tone of surprise; "how can you have learned it? It was after the departure of the queen, and in the presence of one person only, that the king "

"You perceive that I do knOw it; is not that sufficient? Well, go on, monsieur; the money the king has required you to supply {[bar|2}}"

"You understand, marquise, that I have been obliged to procure it, then to get it counted, afterward registered — altogether a long affair. Since Monsieur de Mazarin's death, financial affairs occasion some little fatigue and embarrassment. My administration is somewhat overtaxed, and this is the reason why I have not slept during the past night."

"So that you have the amount?" inquired the marquise, with some anxiety.

"It would indeed be strange, marquise," replied Fouquet cheerfully, "if a surintendant of finances were not to have a paltry four millions in his coffers."

"Yes, yes, I believe you either have, or will have, them."

"What do you mean by saying I shall have them?"

"It is not very long since you were required to furnish two millions."

"On the contrary, to me it seems almost an age; but do not let us talk of money matters any longer."

"On the contrary, we will continue to speak of them, for that is my only reason for coming to see you."

"I am at a loss to know your meaning," said the surintendant, whose eyes began to express an anxious curiosity.

"Tell me, monsieur, is the office of surintendant an irremovable one?"

"You surprise me, marchioness, for you speak as if you had some motive or interest in putting the question."

"My reason is simple enough; I am desirous of placing some money in your hands, and naturally I wish to know if you are certain of your post."

"Keally, marquise, I am at a loss what to reply, and I cannot conceive your meaning."

"Seriously then, dear Monsieur Fouquet, I have certain funds which somewhat embarrass me. I am tired of investing my money in land, and am anxious to intrust a friend to turn it to account."