“Then he did not intend to flatter him by showing that knowledge. He gave us fair words but he omitted to tell us exactly what it is that France requires of England.”
“Perhaps he thought His Majesty astute enough to guess that.”
“It may be so. But, Madame, it is not King Charles his custom to sign treaties on supposition.”
“Roxhythe, did I not tell you myself? Why recall all this?”
“Madame,” he answered, bowing. “I have always said that you were born to be a politician. You also gave me vague explanations and fair words. I want plain speaking; that is why I recall it. Till now you have refused to speak plainly.”
She sat still, twisting the cushion tassel about her finger.
“You are very bold, my lord.”
“Your pardon, Madame, no. Rather ’tis you and King Louis who are bold to seek to cozen my master.”
Her irrepressible smile peeped out.
“I think perhaps you are right, Roxhythe. I will be more explicit.”
Again he bowed.
“King Louis is at war with Holland. At any moment he may be called upon to war with Spain. France is very powerful; she can easily support the cost of these wars. But …” Madame looked up. “… She must be assured that England will not enter into the conflict on Holland’s side. That might—I say might, Roxhythe—turn the scale. Louis is cautious. He does not want to run the risk of defeat. So he seeks to bring about this treaty. You know all this.”
“Yes, Madame, but I wanted it from your own lips. This war with Spain—I gather it would only come in the event of the Spanish King’s death?”
“That is so. The matter is very near to Louis’ heart.”
“So I apprehend. Now, M. Colbert spoke with his engaging airiness of wars. He told us that King Louis would require England to aid him in these wars. Does this apply to the possible war with Spain?”
“Of course it does.”
“I wonder if King Louis ever gave the Triple Bond his attention?”
“Why?”
“Because if he had carefully read that bond he would have seen that England has promised to hold Spain inviolate.”
“He knows that.”
“Yet he proposes this?”
“Roxhythe, the whole of this treaty is a violation of the Triple Bond! Why cavil at that one point?”
“That one point, Madame, is direct. The rest is vague, and might be termed a violation. This is too positive.”
“You want it kept out of the treaty?”
“I do. It is no matter to King Charles whether or no France usurps the throne of Spain. But it is possible that Clifford and Arlington might not see eye to eye with His Majesty there. Can you not employ one of those vague terms, Madame?”
“To leave a loophole for Charles? Roxhythe, Roxhythe!”
“All I ask is that you do not specify any particular war. You may make it as blind as you please, but pray have a thought for Messieurs Clifford and Arlington their scruples.”
“They must know what it is that Louis hath in his mind?”
“They know, yes. But they can shut their eyes to the obvious so long as it is not made too obvious.”
Her laughter bubbled over.
“How wise you are, Roxhythe! I will tell King Louis. Is that all you want with me?”
“I fear I am trespassing on your time, Madame. It is not all. There are two more points.”
She sighed.
“Let us have the first.”
“The first, Madame, is the point on which you have—pardon me—consistently evaded me. You say that King Louis wishes to see the Catholic religion furthered in England. He also wishes England to join him in subduing the Provinces.”
“The two are not incompatible,” said Madame.
Roxhythe smiled a little.
“Are they not, Madame? Yet I think you will agree that they cannot both be done at one and the same time.”
Madame twitched her gown with fingers that trembled.
“Roxhythe, I am tired of this subject.”
“And I, Madame. Therefore I wished to have the question settled. His Majesty stipulates that the furtherance of Catholicism in England shall precede war with the Dutch.”
“Yes, Roxhythe. And King Louis stipulates that war with the Dutch shall come first.”
“I am sorry. May I state my case?”
“Please do.”
“It is this: by making England Catholic once more King Charles his position is strengthened. He may then safely enter into hostilities against Holland. If he does so now there will be uproar in the Houses, perhaps discovery of this compact; even failure.”
Madame looked up. She scanned Roxhythe’s face thoughtfully.
“My lord, you have known my brother for many years.”
“I have had that honour, Madame.”
“I also have known him for many years.”
“Yes, Madame?”
“Yes, Roxhythe. I know that he is astute; I see that he wishes to avoid war with Holland; I know too that this desire for Catholicism is a blind to King Louis, and possibly a sop to my brother James his scruples. King Charles can twist and dupe his Parliament with the utmost ease. Am I right?”
“Not entirely, Madame. My argument still stands.”
“Because of James?”
“No. It is King Charles his wish.”
Madame bit her lip. She seemed to consider.
“So I am to bear that message to King Louis?”
“I shall be greatly indebted to you if you will, Madame.”
“I think I will do it, Roxhythe. And we shall see. Is that all?”
“I am very tiresome, Madame. There is still the second point.”
Suddenly her gravity left her. She threw out her hands, laughing.
“I know what is coming now!” she despaired. “Mordieu, I’ll never act intermediary again! The price!”
Roxhythe did not smile.
“An all important question, Madame.”
She folded her hands.
“Proceed.”
“M. Colbert—I think I told you of my admiration for his vagueness?”
“Chut!” she reproved him.
“I thought so. M. Colbert spoke of the bribe—no, I beg your pardon—the allowance that King Louis wished to offer my master. We were both surprised and gratified to hear of this matter. But M. Colbert contrived and still contrives to leave us unsatisfied after all. He forgot to mention figures. I fear he is very absentminded, Madame.”
“Did I not mention figures when you last were here?” asked Madame.
“I have no recollection of it. I remember you gave vent to some
