"M. de Gourville, M. Pelisson, and others."
"Very good; if, therefore, M. Fouquet did wish to sell--"
"I could not buy it just yet, since the superintendent will only sell for ready money, and no one has a million and a half to put down at once."
Colbert suddenly interrupted the counselor by an imperious gesture; he had begun to meditate. Observing his superior"s serious att.i.tude, and his perseverance in continuing the conversation on this subject, Vanel awaited the solution without venturing to precipitate it.
"Explain to me the privileges which this post confers."
"The right of impeaching every French subject who is not a prince of the blood; the right of quashing all proceedings taken against any Frenchman, who is neither king nor prince. The procureur-general is the king"s right hand to punish the guilty; the office is the means whereby also he can evade the administration of justice. M. Fouquet, therefore, would be able, by stirring up parliament, to maintain himself even against the king; and the king could as easily, by humoring M. Fouquet, get his edicts registered in spite of every opposition and objection.
The procureur-general can be made a very useful or a very dangerous instrument."
"Vanel, would you like to be procureur-general?" said Colbert, suddenly, softening both his look and his voice.
"I!" exclaimed the latter; "I have already had the honor to represent to you that I want about eleven hundred thousand francs to make up the amount."
"Borrow that sum from your friends."
"I have no friends richer than myself."
"You are an honest and honorable man, Vanel."
"Ah! monseigneur, if the world would only think as you do!"
"I think so, and that is quite enough; and if it should be needed, I will be your security."
"Do not forget the proverb, monseigneur."
"What is it?"
"That he who becomes responsible for another has to pay for his fancy."
"Let that make no difference."
Vanel rose, bewildered by this offer which had been so suddenly and unexpectedly made to him. "You are not trifling with me, monseigneur?"
he said.
"Stay; you say that M. Gourville has spoken to you about M. Fouquet"s post?"
"Yes; and M. Pelisson, also."
"Officially so, or only through their own suggestion?"
"These were their very words: "The parliament members are as proud as they are wealthy; they ought to club together two or three millions among themselves, to present to their protector and leader, M.
Fouquet.""
"And what did you reply?"
"I said that, for my own part, I would give ten thousand francs if necessary."
"Ah! you like M. Fouquet, then!" exclaimed Colbert, with a look of hatred.
"No; but M. Fouquet is our chief. He is in debt--is on the high road to ruin; and we ought to save the honor of the body of which we are members."
"Exactly; and that explains why M. Fouquet will be always safe and sound, so long as he occupies his present post," replied Colbert.
"Thereupon," said Vanel, "M. Gourville added, "If we were to do anything out of charity to M. Fouquet, it could not be otherwise than most humiliating to him; and he would be sure to refuse it. Let the parliament subscribe among themselves to purchase, in a proper manner, the post of procureur-general; in that case, all would go well; the honor of our body would be saved, and M. Fouquet"s pride spared.""
"That is an opening."
"I considered it so, monseigneur."
"Well, Monsieur Vanel, you will go at once, and find out either M.
Gourville or M. Pelisson. Do you know any other friend of M. Fouquet?"
"I know M. de la Fontaine very well."
"La Fontaine, the rhymester?"
"Yes; he used to write verses to my wife, when M. Fouquet was one of our friends."
"Go to him, then, and try and procure an interview with the superintendent."
"Willingly--but the sum itself?"
"On the day and hour you arrange to settle the matter, Monsieur Vanel, you shall be supplied with the money, so do not make yourself uneasy on _that_ account."
"Monseigneur, such munificence! You eclipse kings even--you surpa.s.s M.
Fouquet himself."
"Stay a moment--do not let us mistake each other: I do not make you a present of fourteen hundred thousand francs, Monsieur Vanel; for I have children to provide for--but I will _lend_ you that sum."
"Ask whatever interest, whatever security you please, monseigneur; I am quite ready. And when all your requisitions are satisfied, I will still repeat, that you surpa.s.s kings and M. Fouquet in munificence. What conditions do you impose?"
"The repayment in eight years, and a mortgage upon the appointment itself."
"Certainly. Is that all?"
"Wait a moment. I reserve to myself the right of purchasing the post from you at one hundred and fifty thousand francs profit for yourself, if, in your mode of filling the office, you do not follow out a line of conduct in conformity with the interests of the king and with my projects."
"Ah-h!" said Vanel, in an altered tone.
"Is there anything in that which can possibly be objectionable to you, Monsieur Vanel?" said Colbert, coldly.
"Oh! no, no," replied Vanel, nervously.
"Very good. We will sign an agreement to that effect whenever you like.
And now go as quickly as you can to M. Fouquet"s friend, obtain an interview with the superintendent; do not be too difficult in making whatever concessions may be required of you; and when once the arrangements are all made--"