You say that money is yours, whilst I--I believe it is rather the property of others." Mazarin lifted his cold hand to his brow, which was beaded with perspiration.

"How so ?" stammered he.
"This way.

Your excellency had gained much wealth--in the service of the king." "Hum! much--that is, not too much." "Whatever it may be, whence came that wealth ?" "From the state." "The state; that is the king." "But what do you conclude from that, father ?" said Mazarin, who began to tremble.
"I cannot conclude without seeing a list of the riches you possess.

Let us reckon a little, if you please.

You have the bishopric of Metz ?" "Yes." "The abbeys of St.Clement, St.Arnould, and St.Vincent, all at Metz ?" "Yes." "You have the abbey of St.Denis, in France, magnificent property ?" "Yes, father." "You have the abbey of Cluny, which is rich ?" "I have." "That of St.Medard at Soissons, with a revenue of one hundred thousand livres ?" "I cannot deny it." "That of St.Victor, at Marseilles,--one of the best in the south ?" "Yes father." "A good million a year.