"What is that?" asked Mr. Montague.
"Oh, 'tis from Flamsteed; he is ever dunning me to go see his observatory at Greenwich—he cannot believe that there is anything in the world more important than stars, nor that I do not love to be teased with mathematical things when I am about the King's business."
Mr. Montague glanced at the astronomer's sealed letter.
"Speaking of the King's business," he remarked, "the Bank of England hath promised to advance the two hundred thousand for the troops in Flanders."
Mr. Newton looked up quickly.
"Why, I am glad of that. Sir, this is a great thing—it will greatly raise the credit of the Bank."
"I think," replied the young Chancellor, "without vanity, that the Bank of England is an institution that will live."
CHAPTER VIII
THE BREAKING FRIENDSHIP
Two men were riding side by side through the forest of Soignies; before and behind them was a great army. It was a May night, with the moon full overhead and casting long shadows from the tall, dark, motionless trees. News had been received at the camp the evening before that the French were threatening Brussels, and the confederate army was marching to save the Capital.