“They are too high,” answered the Prince. “Think no more of it—I have refused.”
“And the French match?”
William unexpectedly coloured.
“King Louis wished a French Princess to seal his friendship—did he not?” continued M. Bentinck.
The Prince rose, coughing a little, and crossed to the hearth.
“The French Ambassador at Berlin told me so much——”
William answered sternly—
“No doubt my cousin Louis thought it a great honour.… I told M. de Pomponne that my House was used to contract alliances with royalty—I do not wish to quarter the bend sinister with my coat.”
“King Louis will never forgive that.”
“He protests he is my very good friend … he thinks he may have use for me.… This war, if it please you, is largely on my behalf … to punish the ingratitude of the Republic.”