“So that you have the amount?” inquired the marquise, with some anxiety.
“It would indeed be strange, marquise,” replied Fouquet, cheerfully, “if a superintendent of finances were not to have a paltry four millions in his coffers.”
“Yes, yes, I believe you either have, or will have them.”
“What do you mean by saying I shall have them?”
“It is not very long since you were required to furnish two millions.”
“On the contrary, to me it seems almost an age; but do not let us talk of money matters any longer.”
“On the contrary, we will continue to speak of them, for that is my only reason for coming to see you.”
“I am at a loss to compass your meaning,” said the superintendent, whose eyes began to express an anxious curiosity.
“Tell me, monsieur, is the office of superintendent a permanent position?”
“You surprise me, marchioness, for you speak as if you had some motive or interest in putting the question.”