"Milor," whispered his Majesty, "'tis a good affair we would propose, one which we could carry through without your help, but in which we would wish to initiate you, seeing that you are our friend."
"I listen, Sire."
"The Duke of Cumberland—you know him?"
"Yes."
"He has quelled the rebellion and humbled the standard of that arrogant Stuart Pretender."
"Your Majesty's friend—yes," said Eglinton innocently.
"Bah! our friend!" and Louis XV shrugged his shoulders, whilst Mme. de Pompadour gave a short contemptuous laugh.
"Oh! I am sorry! I thought——" said milor gently. "I pray your Majesty to continue."
"Charles Edward Stuart was no friend to us, milor," resumed Louis decisively: "observe, I pray you, the trouble which he hath brought about our ears. We had had peace with England ere now, but for that accursed adventurer and his pretensions; and now that he has come to disaster and ruin——"
"I understand," said Eglinton, with a little sigh of sympathy. "It is indeed awkward for your Majesty; the solemn promise you gave him——"