- D'Avaux bowed.
"Give me credit for that discernment—the card I play is not an appeal from Your Highness to the States——"
"What then?"
The Frenchman moved a little farther back, still in a courtier's attitude, with his hat in his hand, looking intently at the Prince, who stood on the steps of the sundial with the violet daisies brushing his cloak and boots.
"Mr. Skelton hath prevailed on M. de Louvois to command me to say to the States that there is such friendship between His Majesty and King James that any attack on Britain would be regarded in the same light as an attack on France. That," added M. D'Avaux softly, "may make the States see their interests as different from those of Your Highness."
William gave not the least sign of surprise or confusion.
"So it is Mr. Skelton's advice to endeavour to frighten the States?" he remarked.
"I shall deliver my message to-morrow," said M. D'Avaux, "and then Your Highness will see if the States are prepared for an attack—an instant attack on their frontiers—if they are prepared to allow you and their whole strength to leave a country which France is menacing. You saved the Provinces in '72—without you they could not save themselves now——"
"You must follow out your instructions, Monsieur," said the Prince.
He stepped down from the sundial and looked narrowly at the Ambassador.