The coadjutor started.
“Oh! let us speak frankly,” continued Louvieres, “and act in a straightforward manner. Thirty thousand crowns in alms is not given, as you have done for the last six months, out of pure Christian charity; that would be too grand. You are ambitious—it is natural; you are a man of genius and you know your worth. As for me, I hate the court and have but one desire at this moment—vengeance. Give us the clergy and the people, of whom you can dispose, and I will bring you the citizens and the parliament; with these four elements Paris is ours in a week; and believe me, monsieur coadjutor, the court will give from fear what it will not give from good-will.”
It was now the coadjutor’s turn to fix his piercing eyes on Louvieres.
“But, Monsieur Louvieres, are you aware that it is simply civil war you are proposing to me?”
“You have been preparing long enough, my lord, for it to be welcome to you now.”
“Never mind,” said the coadjutor; “you must be well aware that this requires reflection.”
“And how many hours of reflection do you ask?”
“Twelve hours, sir; is it too long?”
“It is now noon; at midnight I will be at your house.”
“If I should not be in, wait for me.”