“What does that mean, Monsieur Colbert?”

“The living are witnesses of M.

Fouquet’s wealth, — they admire and applaud the result produced; but the dead, wiser and better informed than we are, know how that wealth was obtained — and they rise up in accusation.”

“So that M. Fouquet owes his wealth to some cause or other.”

“The occupation of an intendant very often favors those who practice it.”

“You have something to say to me more confidentially, I perceive; do not be afraid, we are quite alone.”

“I am never afraid of anything under the shelter of my own conscience, and under the protection of your majesty,”