"That is very easy."
"Oh! not quite so much so as you may think, for in ordinary friendship people embrace or exercise hospitality, and that only costs a kiss or a return, easy expenses; but in political friendship—"
"Ah! it's a political friendship, is it?"
"Yes, my sister; and then, instead of embraces and feasts, it is soldiers, it is soldiers all living and well equipped, that we must serve up to our friend; vessels we must offer, all armed with cannons and stored with provisions. It hence results that we have not always our coffers in a fit state to form such friendships."
"Ah! you are quite right," said Madame; "the coffers of the king of England have been very sonorous for some time."
"But you, my sister, who have so much influence over your brother, you can obtain more than an ambassador could ever obtain."
"To effect, that I must go to London, my dear brother."
"I have thought so," replied the king, eagerly; "and I have said to myself that such a voyage would do your spirits good."
"Only," interrupted Madame, "it is possible I should fail. The king of England has dangerous counselors."
"Counselors, do you say?"