yes; but a child can be saved — you shall see.

But first of all let us talk about business. Did you not some time ago,” he continued, as Fouquet looked at him with a bewildered air, “speak to me about an idea you had of giving a fete at Vaux?”

“Oh!” said Fouquet, “that was when affairs were flourishing.”

“A fete, I believe, to which the king invited himself of his own accord?”

“No, no, my dear prelate; a fete to which M. Colbert advised the king to invite himself.”

“Ah — exactly; as it would be a fete of so costly a character that you would be ruined in giving it.”