"Yes," he said.
"Colbert himself.

Oh, monseigneur! what can we be going to hear--and what can result from this intimacy ?" "Nothing good for M.Fouquet, at all events." The prince did not deceive himself.
We have seen that Louis XIV.

had sent for Colbert, and Colbert had arrived.

The conversation began between them by the king according to him one of the highest favors that he had ever done; it was true the king was alone with his subject.

"Colbert," said he, "sit down." The intendant, overcome with delight, for he feared he was about to be dismissed, refused this unprecedented honor.
"Does he accept ?" said Aramis.
"No, he remains standing." "Let us listen, then." And the future king and the future pope listened eagerly to the simple mortals they held under their feet, ready to crush them when they liked.
"Colbert," said the king, "you have annoyed me exceedingly to-day." "I know it, sire." "Very good; I like that answer.