“There are some of Your Majesty’s triumphs that I have had no hand in,” said M. de Turenne.
“Those I must thank M. le Marquis de Louvois for,” responded Louis, with his air of fine-mannered greatness.
“Whom will you thank when the Prince of Orange goes to Mass, Sire?”
“It will be the Prince who will thank me, Monsieur le Vicomte,” answered His Majesty.
M. de Turenne spoke, his tone slightly sarcastic—
“You are very fortunate, Sire, to be able to buy everything, even men’s faith.”
Louis’ straight brows rose a little.
“What price,” continued M. de Turenne, “will Your Majesty give for this—the conscience of a Calvinist?”
Louis looked at him straightly—
“That which bought one before,” he answered, “my favour.”