“You are not over fastidious, monseigneur; but before the post can be bought, it must be offered for sale.”
“I believe, Monsieur Vanel, that it will be for sale before long.”
“For sale! What! M. Fouquet’s post of procureur-general?”
“So it is said.”
“The post which renders him so perfectly invincible, for sale! Ha, ha!” said Vanel, beginning to laugh.
“Would you be afraid, then, of the post?” said Colbert, gravely.
“Afraid! no; but—”
“Are you desirous of obtaining it?”
“You are laughing at me, monseigneur,” replied Vanel. “Is it likely that a counselor of the parliament would not be desirous of becoming procureur-general?”
“Well, Monsieur Vanel, since I tell you that the post, as report goes, will be shortly for sale—”