Are your beautiful eyes raised upon me merely in pity?
I was looking for another expression from them." "It is not I who am sad, monsieur; look in the mirror, there--it is yourself." "It is true I am somewhat pale, marquise; but it is from overwork; the king yesterday required a supply of money from me." "Yes, four millions; I am aware of it." "You know it ?" exclaimed Fouquet, in a tone of surprise; "how can you have learnt it?
It was after the departure of the queen, and in the presence of one person only, that the king--" "You perceive that I do know it; is that not sufficient?
Well, go on, monsieur, the money the king has required you to supply--" "You understand, marquise, that I have been obliged to procure it, then to get it counted, afterwards registered--altogether a long affair.
Since Monsieur de Mazarin's death, financial affairs occasion some little fatigue and embarrassment.

My administration is somewhat overtaxed, and this is the reason why I have not slept during the past night." "So 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, 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." "My reason is simple enough; I am desirous of placing some money in your hands, and naturally I wish to know if you are certain of your post." "Really, marquise, I am at a loss what to reply; I cannot conceive your meaning." "Seriously, then, dear M.Fouquet, I have certain funds which somewhat embarrass me.

I am tired of investing my money in lands, and am anxious to intrust it to some friend who will turn it to account." "Surely it does not press," said M.Fouquet.
"On the contrary, it is very pressing." "Very well, we will talk of that by and by." "By and by will not do, for my money is there," returned the marquise, pointing out the coffer to the superintendent, and showing him, as she opened it, the bundles of notes and heaps of gold.

Fouquet, who had risen from his seat at the same moment as Madame de Belliere, remained for a moment plunged in thought; then suddenly starting back, he turned pale, and sank down in his chair, concealing his face in his hands.
"Madame, madame," he murmured, "what opinion can you have of me, when you make me such an offer ?" "Of you!" returned the marquise.

"Tell me, rather, what you yourself think of the step I have taken." "You bring me this money for myself, and you bring it because you know me to be embarrassed.