“His learning is not extensive, then?” “He changed the sword for the crucifix, and that rather late in life. But it matters little, if your majesty will permit me to speak of M. de Vannes again on another occasion--” “I beg you to do so. But before speaking of him, let us speak of yourself, M. Fouquet.” “Of me, sire?” “Yes, I have to pay you a thousand compliments.” “I cannot express to your majesty the delight with which you overwhelm me.” “I understand you, M. Fouquet. I confess, however, 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, you thought that, as the 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 month.” “I have more, not only for all your majesty’s requirements, but for all your caprices.” “I thank you, 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 probable, M. Fouquet?” “I think that if Heaven has bestowed on the eagle a beak and claws, it is to enable him to show his royal character.” The king blushed with pleasure. “We have spent a great deal of money these few days past, Monsieur Fouquet; will you not scold me for it?” “Sire, your majesty has still twenty years of youth to enjoy, and a thousand million francs to lavish in those twenty years.” “That is a great deal of money, M. Fouquet,” said the king. “I will economize, sire. Besides, your majesty as two valuable servants in M. Colbert and myself. The one will encourage you to be prodigal with your treasures--and this shall be myself, if my services should continue to be agreeable to your majesty; and the other will economize money for you, and this will be M. Colbert’s province.” “M. Colbert?” returned the king, astonished. “Certainly, sire; M. Colbert is an excellent accountant.”