"And that, perhaps, is the nicest diplomacy," said the duke,
sighing.

"But, duke, do tell me, why is France so anxious for the friendship
of Prussia?"

"To have an ally in you and be your ally. By the first, France will
have a trusty and powerful friend in Germany when her lands are
attacked by the King of England; by the last, your majesty will have
a trusty and powerful friend when Prussia is attacked by Russia or
Austria."

"We will now speak of the first," said the king, quietly. "France,
then, thinks to transplant this war with England to German ground?"

"Everywhere, sire, that the English colors predominate. England
alone will be accountable for this war."

"It is true England has been hard upon you, but still it seems to me
you have revenged yourselves sufficiently. When England made herself
supreme ruler of the Ohio, France, by the conquest of the Isle of
Minorca, obtained dominion over the Mediterranean Sea, thereby
wounding England so deeply, that in her despair she turned her
weapons against herself. Admiral Byng, having been overcome by your
admiral Marquis de la Gallissionaire, paid for it with his life. I
think France should be satisfied with this expiation."

"France will wash off her insults in English blood, and Minorca is
no compensation for Canada and Ohio. England owes us satisfaction,