Ten Years Later by Dumas, Alexandre. Part two

Page 627

Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later

“What is that, madame?” said Fouquet, astonished.

“That you have never loved me so much as at this moment; in

the same manner you can read, in my present step towards

you, that I have not forgotten you.”

“Oh! madame,” said Fouquet, whose face was for a moment

lighted up by a sudden gleam of joy, “you are indeed an

angel, and no man can suspect you. All he can do is to

humble himself before you and entreat forgiveness.”

“Your forgiveness is granted, then,” said the marquise.

Fouquet was about to throw himself upon his knees. “No, no,”

she said, “sit here by my side. Ah! that is an evil thought

which has just crossed your mind.”

“How do you detect it, madame?”

“By the smile that has just marred the expression of your

countenance, Be candid, and tell me what your thought was —

no secrets between friends.”

“Tell me, then, madame, why have you been so harsh these

three or four months past?”

“Harsh?”

“Yes; did you not forbid me to visit you?”

“Alas!” said Madame de Belliere, sighing, “because your

visit to me was the cause of your being visited with a great

misfortune; because my house is watched; because the same

eyes that have seen you already might see you again; because

I think it less dangerous for you that I should come here

than that you should come to my house; and, lastly, because

I know you to be already unhappy enough not to wish to

increase your unhappiness further.”

Fouquet started, for these words recalled all the anxieties

connected with his office of superintendent — he who, for

the last few minutes, had indulged in all the wild

aspirations of the lover. “I unhappy?” he said, endeavoring

to smile: “indeed, marquise, you will almost make me believe

I am so, judging from your own sadness. Are your beautiful

eyes raised upon me merely in pity? I was looking for

another expression from them.”

“It is not I who am sad, monsieur; look in the mirror, there

— it is yourself.”

“It is true I am somewhat pale, marquise; but it is from

overwork; the king yesterday required a supply of money from

me.”

“Yes, four millions, I am aware of it.”

“You know it?” exclaimed Fouquet, in a tone of surprise;

“how can you have learnt it? It was after the departure of

the queen, and in the presence of one person only, that the

king —- ”

“You perceive that I do know it; is not that sufficient?

Well, go on, monsieur, the money the king has required you

to supply —- ”

Page 628

Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later

“You understand, marquise, that I have been obliged to

procure it, then to get it counted, afterwards registered —

altogether a long affair. Since Monsieur de Mazarin’s death,

financial affairs occasion some little fatigue and

embarrassment. My administration is somewhat overtaxed, and

this is the reason why I have not slept during the past

night.”

“So that you have the amount?” inquired the marquise, with

some anxiety.

“It would indeed be strange, marquise,” replied Fouquet,

cheerfully, “if a superintendent of finances were not to

have a paltry four millions in his coffers.”

“Yes, yes, I believe you either have, or will have them.”

“What do you mean by saying I shall have them?”

“It is not very long since you were required to furnish two

millions.”

“On the contrary, to me it seems almost an age; but do not

let us talk of money matters any longer.”

“On the contrary, we will continue to speak of them, for

that is my only reason for coming to see you.”

“I am at a loss to compass your meaning,” said the

superintendent, whose eyes began to express an anxious

curiosity.

“Tell me, monsieur, is the office of superintendent a

permanent position?”

“You surprise me, marchioness, for you speak as if you had

some motive or interest in putting the question.”

“My reason is simple enough; I am desirous of placing some

money in your hands, and naturally I wish to know if you are

certain of your post.”

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