and my weaknesses into calculation, and do not speak of the pure and generous feelings which I have. If, at this moment, I feel instinctively attracted toward the surintendant, if I even make an advance to him, and which, I confess, is very probable, my motive for it is, that Monsieur Fouquet's fate deeply affects me, and because he is, in my opinion, one of the most unfortunate men living."
"Ah!" said the marquise, placing her hand upon her heart, "something new, then, has occurred."
"Do you not know it?"
"I am utterly ignorant of everything about him," said Mme. de Bellière, with that palpitation of anguish which suspends thought and speech, and even life itself.
"In the first place, then, the king's favor is entirely withdrawn from Monsieur Fouquet, and conferred on Monsieur Colbert."
"So it is stated."
"It is very clear, since the discovery of the plot of Belle-Isle."
"I was told that the discovery of the fortifications there had turned out to Monsieur Fouquet's honor."
Marguerite began to laugh in so cruel a manner that Mme. de Bellière could at that moment have delightedly plunged a dagger in her bosom.
"Dearest," continued Marguerite, "there is no longer any question of Monsieur Fouquet's honor; his safety is concerned. Before three days are past the ruin of the surintendant will be complete."
"Stay," said the marquise, in her turn smiling; "that is going a little too fast."
"I said three days, because I wish to deceive myself with a hope; but most certainly the catastrophe will not extend beyond twenty-four hours."
"Why so?"
"For the simplest of all reasons — that Monsieur Fouquet has no more money."
"In matters of finance, my dear Marguerite, some are without money to day who to-morrow can procure millions."
"That might be Monsieur Fouquet's case when he had two wealthy and clever friends who amassed money for him, and wrung it from every source; but these friends are dead."
"Money does not die, Marguerite; it may be concealed; but it can be looked for, bought, and found."
"You see things on the bright side, and so much the
