Joseph saw that Mirabeau had fallen into deep thought and knew that the groundwork had been sufficiently laid, so he began to get to the point, "Let's talk again about the tax legislation."
Mirabeau became immediately alert upon hearing this, "Your Highness, you know that the nobles are united in their attitude towards the bill."
Joseph spoke seriously, "Actually, on this matter, you have been used by the Old Nobility!"
Mirabeau laughed and gestured dismissively, "Your Highness, how could that be?"
Joseph casually picked up a small stick for picking impurities out of paper pulp and said, "If I may ask impertinently, how much land do you own?"
"Ah?" Mirabeau was somewhat surprised but still answered, "Over ten hectares in Paris and another forty in Reims."
Joseph nodded, "Do you know how much land the Duke of Orleans owns?"
"That, I'm not quite certain about, but at least four or five thousand hectares, I would guess."
"And the estates?"
"Perhaps around a dozen?"
