“Cast them up, Bernouin.”
“Thirty-nine millions two hundred and sixty thousand livres, monseigneur.”
“Ah!” cried the cardinal, in a tone of vexation; “there are not yet forty millions!”
Bernouin recommenced the addition.
“No, monseigneur; there want seven hundred and forty thousand livres.”
Mazarin asked for the account, and revised it carefully.
“Yes, but,” said Bernouin, “thirty-nine millions two hundred and sixty thousand livres make a good round sum.”
“Ah, Bernouin, I wish the king had it.”
“Your eminence told me that this money was his majesty’s.”
“Doubtless, as clear, as transparent as possible. These thirty-nine millions are bespoken, and much more.”