Page:The Vicomte de Bragelonne 2.djvu/301

THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELONNE. 280 "Man is mortal," replied Colbert. "I have always remembered that, Monsieur Colbert, and 1 have worked in that prevision. You know that I have amassed a little wealth." "I know you have, monseigneur." "At how much do you estimate, as near as you can, the amount of this wealth, Monsieur Colbert?" "At forty millions, five hundred and sixty thousand, two hundred livres, nine sous, eight deniers," replied Colbert. The cardinal fetched a deep sigh, and looked at Colbert with wonder; but he allowed a smile to steal across his lips. "Property known," added Colbert, in reply to that smile. The cardinal made quite a start in his bed. "What do you mean by that?" said he. "I mean," said Colbert, "that besides those forty mil- lions, five hundred and sixty thousand, two hundred livres, nine sous, eight deniers there are thirteen millions that are not known of." "Ouf !" sighed Mazarin, "what a man!" At this moment the head of Bernouin appeared through the embrasure of the door. "What is it?" asked Mazarin, "and why do you disturb me?" "The Theatin father, your eminence's director, was sent for this evening; and he cannot come again to monseigneur till after to-morrow." Mazarin looked at Colbert, who arose and took his hat, saying: "I will come again, monseigneur." Mazarin hesitated. "No, no," said he, "I have as much business to transact with you as with him. Besides, you are my other confessor — and what I have to say to one the other may hear. Kemain where you are, Colbert." "But, monseigneur, if there be a secret of penitence, will the director consent to my being here?" "Do not trouble yourself about that; come into the ruelle." "I can wait outside, monseigneur." "No, no, it will do you good to hear the confession of a rich man." Colbert bowed, and went into the ruelle. "Introduce the Theatin father," said Mazarin, closing the curiains.