“Yes, and from the king’s own lips. It was impossible to ruin a man with a more charming smile. What do you think of it?”
“It is clear that your destruction is the object in view.”
“That is your opinion?”
“Still. Besides, there is nothing in it which should astonish you, for we have foreseen it all along.”
“Yes; but I did not expect four millions.”
“No doubt the amount is serious, but, after all, four millions are not quite the death of a man, especially when the man in question is Monsieur Fouquet.”
“My dear D’Herblay, if you knew the contents of my coffers, you would be less easy.”
“And you promised?”
“What could I do?”
“That’s true.”