"Vanel, would you like to be procureur-general?" said Colbert, suddenly, softening both his look and his voice.
"I!" exclaimed the latter; "I have already had the honor to represent to you that I want about eleven hundred thousand francs to make up the amount."
"Borrow that sum from your friends."
"I have no friends richer than myself."
"You are an honest and honorable man, Vanel."
"Ah! monseigneur, if the world were to think as you do!"
"I think so, and that is quite enough; and if it should be needed, I will be your security."
"Do you forget the proverb, monseigneur?"
"What is that?"
"That he who becomes responsible for another has to pay for his responsibility."