While this was going on, behind the confiture-basins, Fouquet related the event of the day to his son-in-law, M.de Charost.

"We will send the idle and useless to look at the fireworks," said Pelisson to Gourville, "whilst we converse here." "So be it," said Gourville, addressing four words to Vatel.

The latter then led towards the gardens the major part of the beaux, the ladies and the chatterers, whilst the men walked in the gallery, lighted by three hundred wax-lights, in the sight of all; the admirers of fireworks all ran away towards the garden.

Gourville approached Fouquet, and said: "Monsieur, we are here." "All ?" said Fouquet.
"Yes,--count." The superintendent counted; there were eight persons.
Pelisson and Gourville walked arm in arm, as if conversing upon vague and frivolous subjects.

Sorel and two officers imitated them, and in an opposite direction.