“Here is the wine, then,” said Ducorneau.
“It sparkles like rubies,” said Beausire, holding it to the light.
“Sit down, M. Ducorneau; my valet will wait upon us. What day did the last despatches arrive?”
“Immediately after the departure of your excellency’s predecessor.”
“Are the affairs of the embassy in good order?”
“Oh yes, monseigneur.”
“No money difficulties? no debts?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Because, if there are, we must begin by paying them.”
“Oh, your excellency will have nothing of that sort to do. All the accounts were paid up three weeks ago; and the day after the departure of the late ambassador one hundred thousand francs arrived here.”