“To draw from the Prince something of his designs, something of his feelings towards France. In a word, Madame, to discover that which I have failed to discern—what manner of stuff we have there. If he worked with us, he would, as His Majesty’s cousin, be of immense use; he could, without much difficulty, be placed at the head of the State——”
“Oh, I know the position quite well,” she interrupted. “Considering that you have talked nothing else since I have been at the Hague, I should have it by heart; but, Mon Dieu, whether I care to meddle is another matter.”
She crossed to the fireplace and rested the tip of her blue shoe on the brass curb.
“It will be very little trouble to you, Madame, and a vast service to me.”
The Duchess looked at him over her shoulder with a little laugh.
“My good de Pomponne, this country is unnerving you!”
The Marquis did not deny it.
“I always protested against the appointment, as you must remember, Madame.”
“But M. de Louvois was obdurate.”