“Sire,” said he, “I was impatient to see your majesty.”
“What for?” asked Louis.
“To announce some good news to you.”
Colbert, minus grandeur of person, less largeness of heart, resembled Fouquet in many points. He had the same penetration, the same knowledge of men; moreover, that great power of self-compression which gives to hypocrites time to reflect, and gather themselves up to take a spring. He guessed that Fouquet was going to meet the blow he was about to deal him. His eyes glittered ominously.
“What news?” asked the king. Fouquet placed a roll of papers on the table.
“Let your majesty have the goodness to cast your eyes over this work,” said he. The king slowly unfolded the paper.
“Plans?” said he.
“Yes, sire.”
“And what are these plans?”
“A new fortification, sire.”