“Well, and what of that?” said Louis.

“The Catalonians are more disposed toward France than toward Portugal, and there is still time to deprive the King of-the Duke of Portugal, I should say—­of this protectorship.”

“What!  I assist rebels!  You dare—­”

“Such was the intention of his Eminence,” continued the Secretary of State.  “Spain and France are nearly at open war, and Monsieur d’Olivares has not hesitated to offer the assistance of his Catholic Majesty to the Huguenots.”

“Very good.  I will consider it,” said the King.  “Leave me.”

“Sire, the States-General of Catalonia are in a dilemma.  The troops from Aragon march against them.”

“We shall see.  I will come to a decision in a quarter of an hour,” answered Louis XIII.

The little Secretary of State left the apartment discontented and discouraged.  In his place Chavigny immediately appeared, holding a portfolio, on which were emblazoned the arms of England.  “Sire,” said he, “I have to request your Majesty’s commands upon the affairs of England.  The Parliamentarians, commanded by the Earl of Essex, have raised the siege of Gloucester.  Prince Rupert has at Newbury fought a disastrous battle, and of little profit to his Britannic Majesty.  The Parliament is prolonged.  All the principal cities take part with it, together with all the seaports and the Presbyterian population.  King Charles I implores assistance, which the Queen can no longer obtain from Holland.”

“Troops must be sent to my brother of England,” said Louis; but he wanted to look over the preceding papers, and casting his eyes over the notes of the Cardinal, he found that under a former request of the King of England he had written with his own hand: 

“We must consider some time and wait.  The Commons are strong.  King Charles reckons upon the Scots; they will sell him.

“We must be cautious.  A warlike man has been over to see Vincennes, and he has said that ‘princes ought never to be struck, except on the head.’”

The Cardinal had added “remarkable,” but he had erased this word and substituted “formidable.”  Again, beneath: 

“This man rules Fairfax.  He plays an inspired part.  He will be a great man—­assistance refused—­money lost.”

The King then said, “No, no! do nothing hastily.  I shall wait.”

“But, Sire,” said Chavigny, “events pass rapidly.  If the courier be delayed, the King’s destruction may happen a year sooner.”

“Have they advanced so far?” asked Louis.

“In the camp of the Independents they preach up the republic with the Bible in their hands.  In that of the Royalists, they dispute for precedency, and amuse themselves.”

“But one turn of good fortune may save everything?”

“The Stuarts are not fortunate, Sire,” answered Chavigny, respectfully, but in a tone which left ample room for consideration.