LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. 375 "Oh!" said he laughingly;, '^'the people know perfectly •well out of what mine I procure the gold-, and they know it only too wSll, perhaps; besides," he added, "I can assure your majesty that the gold destined to pay the expenses of the fete at Vaux will cost neither blood nor tears; hard labor it may, perhaps, but that can be paid for." Louis paused, quite confused. He wished to look at Colbert; Colbert, too, wished to reply to him; a glance as swift as an eagle's, a proud, loyal, king-like glance, indeed, which Fouquet darted at the latter, arrested the words upon his lips. The king, who had by this time recovered his self-possession, turned toward Fouquet, saying: "I presume, therefore, I am now to consider myself for- mally invited?" "Yes, sire; if your majesty will condescend so far as to accept my invitation." "What day have you fixed?"
- 'Any day your majesty may find most convenient."
"You speak like an enchanter who has but to conjure up the wildest fancies. Monsieur Fouquet. I could not say so much, indeed." "Your majesty will do, whenever you please, everything that a monarch can and ought to do. The King of France has servants at his bidding who are able to do anything on his behalf, to accomplish everything to gratify his pleasures." Colbert tried to look at the surintendant, in order to see whether this remark was an approach to less hostile senti- ments on his part; but Fouquet had not even looked at his enemy, and Colbert hardly seemed to exist as far as he was concerned. "Very good, then," said the king. "Will a week hence suit you?" "Perfectly well, sire." "This is Tuesday; if I give you until next Sunday week, will that be sufficient?" "The delay which your majesty deigns to accord me will greatly aid the various works which my architects have in hand for the purpose of adding to the amusement of your majesty and your friends." "By the bye, speaking of my friends," resumed the king;
- how do you intend to treat them?"
"The king is master everywhere, sire; your majesty will draw up your own list and give your own orders. All those you may deign to invite will be my guests, my honored guests, indeed."
