‘And one for Fouquet,’ replied the joker. Upon which they drew in front of the cook’s shop, with a hedge of the curious round them, and five hundred as curious at the windows.”

“Well?” said Fouquet.

“Well, monsieur, my Menneville spitted the joker, to the great astonishment of the spectators, and said to the cook: — ’Take this goose, my friend, for it is fatter than your fowl.’ That is the way, monsieur,” ended the abbe, triumphantly, “in which I spend my revenues; I maintain the honor of the family, monsieur.” Fouquet hung his head. “And I have a hundred as good as he,” continued the abbe.

“Very well,” said Fouquet, “give the account to Gourville, and remain here this evening.”