“I have now a project, madame,” replied he, bowing, “which will put 20,000,000 into the pockets of the nation, and 7,000,000 or 8,000,000 into your own.”
“They will be welcome, but where are they to come from?”
“Your majesty is aware that money is not of the same value in all the countries of Europe.”
“Certainly. In Spain gold is dearer than in France.”
“Your majesty is perfectly right. Gold in Spain has been for the last five or six years worth considerably more than in France; it results that the exporters gain on eight ounces of gold, that they send from here, about the value of fourteen ounces of silver.”
“That is a great deal.”
“Well, madame, I mean to raise the price of gold one-fifth of this difference, and where we have now thirty louis we shall then have thirty-two.”
“It is a brilliant idea!” cried the queen.
“I believe it, and am happy that it meets your majesty’s approbation.”
“Always have such, and I am sure you will soon pay our debts.”