“The most contemptuous possible—the Prince deigns no answer at all, but merely sends a copy of the resolution of the States by which the proposals of peace are rejected.”
“Insolence!” exclaimed the Marquis.
Buckingham smiled sourly.
“Louvois is furious, of course—this defiance is unlooked for.”
He laughed again.
He was fast tiring of his last hobby of politics. The Dutch war had lost its novelty, and the attempt to seduce the Prince of Orange disgusted by reason of its failure. He was tired of the sights of war; and Whitehall, which had lately sated him, appeared again delightful to the Duke’s changeful mind.
The matter was more serious for M. de Pomponne.
“M. de Louvois was furious?”
“Absolutely.”
“And the King?”