But, for want of the position you merit at the court, your presence there is a waste of time.

The devotion of a man of honor, should ambition of any kind inspire you, might possibly serve as a means of display for your talents and beauty.
I place my devotion at your feet; but, as an affection, however reserved and unpresuming it may be, might possibly compromise the object of its worship, it would ill-become a person of your merit running the risk of being compromised, without her future being insured.

If you would deign to accept and reply to my affection, my affection shall prove its gratitude to you in making you free and independent forever." Having finished writing, Fouquet looked at Aramis.
"Sign it," said the latter.
"Is it absolutely necessary ?" "Your signature at the foot of that letter is worth a million; you forget that." Fouquet signed.
"Now, by whom do you intend to send the letter ?" asked Aramis.
"By an excellent servant of mine." "Can you rely on him ?" "He is a man who has been with me all my life." "Very well.

Besides, in this case, we are not playing for very heavy stakes." "How so?
For if what you say be true of the accommodating disposition of this girl for the king and Madame, the king will give her all the money she can ask for." "The king has money, then ?" asked Aramis.
"I suppose so, for he has not asked me for any more." "Be easy; he will ask for some soon." "Nay, more than that, I had thought he would have spoken to me about the _fete_ at Vaux, but he never said a word about it." "He will be sure to do so, though." "You must think the king's disposition a very cruel one, Monsieur d'Herblay." "It is not he who is so." "He is young, and therefore his disposition is a kind one." "He is young, and either he is weak, or his passions are strong; and Monsieur Colbert holds his weaknesses and his passions in his villainous grasp." "You admit that you fear him?
--" "I do not deny it." "In that case I am lost." "Why so ?" "My only influence with the king has been through the money I commanded, and now I am a ruined man." "Not so." "What do you mean by 'not so ?' Do you know my affairs better than myself ?" "That is not unlikely." "If he were to request this _fete_ to be given ?" "You will give it, of course." "But where is the money to come from ?" "Have you ever been in want of any ?" "Oh, if you only knew at what a cost I procured the last supply!" "The next shall cost you nothing." "But who will give it me ?" "I will." "What! give me six millions ?" "Ten, if necessary." "Upon my word, D'Herblay," said Fouquet, "your confidence alarms me more than the king's displeasure.

Who can you possibly be, after all ?" "You know me well enough, I should think." "Of course; but what is it you are aiming at ?" "I wish to see upon the throne of France a king devoted to Monsieur Fouquet, and I wish Monsieur Fouquet to be devoted to me." "Oh!" exclaimed Fouquet, pressing his hand, "as for belonging to you.