I left the comptroller’s and went to walk in the Tuileries, thinking over the strange stroke of luck which had happened to me.  I had been told that twenty millions were wanted, and I had boasted of being able to get a hundred, without the slightest idea of how it was to be done; and on that a well-known man experienced in the public business had asked me to dinner to convince me that he knew what my scheme was.  There was something odd and comic about the whole affair; but that corresponded very well with my modes of thought and action.  “If he thinks he is going to pump me,” said I, “he will find himself mistaken.  When he tells me what the plan is, it will rest with me to say he has guessed it or he is wrong as the inspiration of the moment suggests.  If the question lies within my comprehension I may, perhaps, be able to suggest something new; and if I understand nothing I will wrap myself up in a mysterious silence, which sometimes produces a good effect.  At all events, I will not repulse Fortune when she appears to be favourable to me.”

M. de Bernis had only told M. de Boulogne that I was a financier to get me a hearing, as otherwise he might have declined to see me.  I was sorry not to be master, at least, of the jargon of the business, as in that way men have got out of a similar difficulty, and by knowing the technical terms, and nothing more, have made their mark.  No matter, I was bound to the engagement.  I must put a good face on a bad game, and if necessary pay with the currency of assurance.  The next morning I took a carriage, and in a pensive mood I told the coachman to take me to M. du Vernai’s, at Plaisance—­a place a little beyond Vincennes.

I was set down at the door of the famous man who, forty years ago, had rescued France on the brink of the precipice down which Law had almost precipitated her.  I went in and saw a great fire burning on the hearth, which was surrounded by seven or eight persons, to whom I was introduced as a friend of the minister for foreign affairs and of the comptroller; afterwards he introduced these gentlemen to me, giving to each his proper title, and I noted that four of them were treasury officials.  After making my bow to each, I gave myself over to the worship of Harpocrates, and without too great an air of listening was all ears and eyes.

The conversation at first was of no special interest as they were talking of the Seine being frozen over, the ice being a foot thick.  Then came the recent death of M. de Fontenelle, then the case of Damien, who would confess nothing, and of the five millions his trial would cost the Crown.  Then coming to war they praised M. de Soubise, who had been chosen by the king to command the army.  Hence the transition was easy to the expenses of the war, and how they were to be defrayed.