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Updated: September 29, 2025
"Why do you speak to me, monseigneur," said Vanel, "of the post of procureur-general to the parliament; I know no other post than the one M. Fouquet fills." "Exactly so, my dear counselor." "You are not over fastidious, monseigneur; but before the post can be bought, it must be offered for sale." "I believe, Monsieur Vanel, that it will be for sale before long." "For sale! What!
He was then dismissed, not in words, but by a gesture, as one dismisses or discharges a beggar or a menial. As soon as Vanel had gone, the minister and the prelate, their eyes fixed on each other, remained silent for a few moments.
"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.
I thought little Colbert, as you said just now, had passed over that love, and left the impression upon it of a spot of ink or a stain of grease." "Fouquet! Fouquet! Is this the way you always treat the poor creatures you desert?" "Why, you surely are not going to undertake the defense of Madame Vanel?"
"In matters of business, monseigneur," replied Vanel, "I look upon exactitude as a virtue." "No doubt, monsieur." "I beg your pardon," interrupted Aramis, indicating Vanel with his finger, but addressing himself to Fouquet; "this is the gentleman, I believe, who has come about the purchase of your appointment?"
A million do you understand me?" he added, as he shook him nervously. "A million!" repeated Vanel, as pale as death. "A million; in other words, at the present rate of interest, an income of seventy thousand francs." "Come, monsieur," said Fouquet, "you can hardly refuse that. Answer do you accept?" "Impossible," murmured Vanel.
"You would be wrong to exaggerate such notions as those, monsieur," said the superintendent; "for a man's mind is variable, and full of these very excusable caprices, which are, however, sometimes estimable enough; and a man may have wished for something yesterday of which he repents to-day." Vanel felt a cold sweat trickle down his face. "Monseigneur!" he muttered.
"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."
"Oh!" resumed Madame Vanel, stretching out her foot towards a paper which was lying on the carpet near the window; "it is not necessary for people to see each other, since they can write." The marquise trembled, for this paper was the envelope of the letter she was reading as her friend had entered, and was sealed with the superintendent's arms.
"My dear Monsieur Vanel, there is not a matter of business in this world, however important it may be, which cannot be postponed in order to oblige a man, who, by that means, might and would be made a devoted friend." "Certainly," said Vanel, awkwardly.
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