“The King finds the United Provinces in his way, as you do, Highness; he finds, as you do, that M. de Witt must go. Your cause is one with His Majesty’s—say so, and the thing is done.”
She thought, but could not be sure, that he slightly drew himself away from her into the corner of the settee.
“His Majesty,” she continued, “has the power to put you where your father was——”
“And afterwards, Madame?” asked the Prince. “How should I repay His Majesty?”
Madame Lavalette began to be more sure of her ground.
“Your Highness,” she said softly, “would have the help of France in subduing an impudent and ungrateful country—Your Highness would be master of Holland——”
“Under King Louis,” added the Prince.
“Under the protection of France, Highness; His Majesty is already the dictator of Europe.”
It was a prospect calculated to dazzle one powerless and ambitious.
Madame Lavalette was pleased to see her words take effect. The Prince slowly coloured, and put his hand in an agitated manner to the lace on his breast.