offer you my respects, monseigneur,” said the latter.

“Were you in that lighter?” — pointing to the one with twelve rowers.

“Yes, monseigneur.”

“Of twelve rowers?” said Fouquet; “what luxury, M. Colbert. For a moment I thought it was the queen-mother.”

“Monseigneur!” — and Colbert blushed.

“This is a voyage that will cost those who have to pay for it dear, Monsieur l’Intendant!” said Fouquet. “But you have, happily, arrived! — You see, however,” added he, a moment after, “that I, who had but eight rowers, arrived before you.” And he turned his back towards him,