Louis lifted his fine eyes.
“I have no quarrel with the Prince of Orange, Sir Gabriel. He hath been unjustly treated by these insolent States whose outrages on myself I have chastised, and His Britannic Majesty hath a great affection for him—I speak openly.” He glanced at M. de Louvois.
“We war,” he added arrogantly, “with a Republic that hath annoyed us, not with our cousin.”
“I thank you, Sire.”
M. de Louvois was listening intently.
“M. de Groot,” continued Louis, “has our terms; if the States refuse them we shall advance on the Hague.”
M. de Louvois spoke—
“Your countrymen think those terms severe, do they not, Sir Gabriel?”
“They are hardly blown abroad yet, M. le Marquis.”
“I believe the States have the folly to complain of what we choose to dictate to them. But I think they will accept,” remarked the King.