"Even to harshness!" said the priest in a gentle voice. "Your Majesty knows that the Elector Maximilian still claims that the Empire owes him thirteen millions of crowns for his aid in the war against the Elector Palatine, and that he wanted the Palatinate, and would have had it but for the opposition of Brandenburg and Saxony. Now if Brandenburg and Saxony join Gustavus, as they must, what can we say to Maximilian if he prefers his claim again?"
"He must have it, I suppose!" said the Emperor in a tone that suggested that he was rather tired.
"Then he will ask for Bohemia as the price for allowing his army to support Tilly against Gustavus."
"Bohemia is another affair!" said the Emperor more briskly.
"Now if her Highness the Archduchess would only consent to marry the Elector Maximilian, we should hear nothing more of the thirteen millions, or of the Palatinate, or of Bohemia," reflected Father Lamormain aloud.
"She is very young!" objected his Majesty.
"Not too young for mischief, sire."
"What new freak have you discovered, Father?"
"This!" said the Father, producing the letter he had had before him on the previous day. "It is a summary of the roll of Tilly's army, and it was found upon a messenger, who was unfortunately killed on his way to the north before he could be questioned."