“Was I not a good ambassador in France?”
“Yes, for Mazarin has granted what I desire.”
“Have I not always fought for your glory and interests?”
“Too ardently, perhaps; it is what I have just reproached you for. But what is the meaning of all these questions?”
“To tell you, my lord, that the moment has now arrived when, with a single word, you may recompense all these services.”
“Oh!” said Oliver, with a slight curl of his lip, “I forgot that every service merits some reward and that up to this moment you have not been paid.”
“Sir, I can take my pay at this moment, to the full extent of my wishes.”
“How is that?”
“I have the payment under my hand; I almost possess it.”
“What is it? Have they offered you money? Do you wish a step, or some place in the government?”