The king seated himself in an easy-chair near the window, saying: "The ballet will take place this evening, M.Colbert." "In that case, sire, I will pay all accounts to-morrow." "Why so ?" "I promised the tradespeople to pay their bills the day following that on which the ballet should take place." "Very well, M.Colbert, pay them, since you have promised to do so." "Certainly, sire; but I must have money to do that." "What! have not the four millions, which M.Fouquet promised, been sent?
I forgot to ask you about it." "Sire, they were sent at the hour promised." "Well ?" "Well, sire, the colored lamps, the fireworks, the musicians, and the cooks, have swallowed up four millions in eight days." "Entirely ?" "To the last penny.

Every time your majesty directed the banks of the grand canal to be illuminated, as much oil was consumed as there was water in the basins." "Well, well, M.Colbert; the fact is, then, you have no more money ?" "I have no more, sire, but M.Fouquet has," Colbert replied, his face darkening with a sinister expression of pleasure.
"What do you mean ?" inquired Louis.
"We have already made M.Fouquet advance six millions.

He has given them with too much grace not to have others still to give, if they are required, which is the case at the present moment.

It is necessary, therefore, that he should comply." The king frowned.

"M.