Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/349

Rh "His learning is not extensive, then?"

"He changed the sword for the priest's garments, and that rather late in life. But it matters little, if your majesty will permit me to speak of Monsieur de Vannes again on another occasion"

"I beg you to do so. But before speaking of him, let us speak of yourself. Monsieur Eouquet."

"Of me, sire?"

"Yes; I have to pay you a thousand compliments."

"I cannot express to your majesty the delight v/ith which you overwhelm me."

"I understand you. Monsieur Fouquet. I confess, how- ever, to have had certain prejudices against you."

"In that case, I was indeed unhappy, sire."

"But they exist no longer. Did you not perceive "

"I did, indeed, sire; but I awaited with resignation the day when the truth would prevail; and it seems that that day has now arrived."

"Ah! you knew, then, you were in disgrace with me?"

"Alas! sire, I perceived it."

"And do you know the reason?"

"Perfectly well; your majesty thought that I had been wastefully lavish in expenditure."

"Not so; far from that."

"Or rather, an indifferent administrator. In a word, your majesty thought that, as people had no^money, there would be none for your majesty either."

"Yes, I thought so; but I was deceived."

Fouquet bowed.

"And no disturbances, no complaints?"

"And money enough," said Fouquet.

"The fact is, that you have been profuse with it during the last mouth."

"I have more still, not only for all your majesty's re- quirements, but for all your caprices."

"I thank yop. Monsieur Fouquet," replied the king seriously. "I will not put you to the proof. For the next two months I do not intend to ask you for anything."

"I will avail myself of the interval to amass five or six millions, which will be serviceable as money in hand in case of war."

"Five or six millions!"

"For the expenses of your majesty's household only, be it understood."

"You think war is probable. Monsieur Fouquet?" Rh