So to this remark that she so perfectly understood she replied nothing, and did not move her hands from her face.
The Prince spoke again rapidly.
"Everything is strained to breaking-point, and he who strikes the first blow will have the advantage. If I go into the fight again without the help of England, I am no better than a man fighting with tied hands——"
He paused, and added with vigour—
"We cannot do it alone. We must have England."
It was what he had said sixteen years ago in '72, and the years had made the need more, not less, imperative. He continued, as if he justified himself to that still figure of his wife, with her hands before her face.
"I am forced to this decision. No consideration of justice, of ambition, nay, even of diplomacy or good sense, can move His Majesty to break off with France; his insults to the liberty of England are incredible. He hath done all he can to thwart, cross, and hamper me. And now is the moment when we must try conclusions."
The Princess's white brocade shivered with her trembling.
"I know," she murmured—"I know."
But she was weeping, and the tears ran down through her fingers.