"In the West Indies, sire."

"And where is Hanover?"

The duke looked at the king in amazement, and remained silent.

The king repeated his question.

"Well," said the duke, hesitatingly, "Hanover is in Germany."

"And for this German land which, with my aid, France is to conquer,
I am to receive as a reward the little Isle of Tobago in the West
Indies! Have you finished, dyke, or have you other propositions to
make?"

"Sire, I have finished, and await your answer."

"And this answer, duke, shall be clearer and franker than your
questions. I will begin by answering the latter part of your speech.
Small and insignificant as the King of Prussia may appear in your
eyes, I would have you know he is no robber, no highwayman; he
leaves these brilliant amusements without envy to France. And now,
my dear duke, I must inform you, that since this morning it has been
placed out of my power to accept this alliance; for this morning a
treaty was signed, by which I became the ally of England!"

"It is impossible, sire," cried the duke; "this cannot be!"

"Not possible, sir!" said the king, "and still it is true. I have