“These millions are the king’s; it is the king’s money I am reckoning. Well, what were we saying? You always interrupt me!”
“Seven millions upon Bordeaux.”
“Ah! yes; that’s right. Upon Madrid four millions. I give you to understand plainly to whom this money belongs, Bernouin, seeing that everybody has the stupidity to believe me rich in millions. I repel the silly idea. A minister, besides, has nothing of his own. Come, go on. Rentrees generales, seven millions; properties, nine millions. Have you written that, Bernouin?”
“Yes, monseigneur.”
“Bourse, six hundred thousand livres; various property, two millions. Ah! I forgot—the furniture of the different chateaux——”
“Must I put of the crown?” asked Bernouin.
“No, no, it is of no use doing that—that is understood. Have you written that, Bernouin?”
“Yes, monseigneur.”
“And the ciphers?”
“Stand straight under one another.”