nglish have ever been a thorn
in our sides. If we could leave them among their own fogs with such a
quarrel as would keep them busy for a few years, then indeed we might
crush this Dutch prince at our leisure. Their last civil war lasted ten
years, and their next may do as much. We could carry our frontier to
the Rhine long ere that. Eh, Louvois?"

"Your armies are ready, sire, on the day that you give the word."

"But war is a costly business. I do not wish to have to sell the court
plate, as we did the other day. How are the public funds?"

"We are not very rich, sire. But there is one way in which money may
very readily be gained. There was some talk this morning about the
Huguenots, and whether they should dwell any longer in this Catholic
kingdom. Now, if they are driven out, and if their property were taken
by the state, then indeed your Majesty would at once become the richest
monarch in Christendom."

"But you were against it this morning, Louvois?"

"I had not had time to think of it, sire."

"You mean that Father la Chaise and the bishop had not had time to get
at you," said Louis sharply. "Ah, Louvois, I have not lived with a
court round me all these years without learning how things are done.
It is a word to him, and so on to another, and so to a third, and so to
the king. When my good fathers of the Church have set themselves to
bring anything to pass, I see traces of them at every turn, as one
traces a mole by the dirt which it has thrown up. But I will not be
moved against my own reason to do wrong to those who, however mistaken
they may be, are still the subjects whom God has given me."

"I would not have you do so, sire," cried Louvois in confusion.
The king's accusation had been so true that he had been unable at the
moment even to protest.

"I know but one person," continued Louis, glancing across at Madame de
Maintenon, "who has no ambitions, who desires neither wealth nor
preferment, and who can therefore never be bribed to sacrifice my
interests. That is why I value that person's opinion so highly."
He smiled at the lady as he spoke, while his minister cast a glance at
her which showed the jealousy which ate into his soul.

"It was my duty to point this out to you, sire, not as a suggestion, but
as a possibility," said he, rising. "I fear that I have already taken
up too much of your Majesty's time, and I shall now withdraw." Bowing
slightly to the lady, and profoundly