aggressive policy.

Julian told Humphrey, in their private conferences, something of
the cause of this personal rancour.

"There was a fair maid in our valley--Renee we called her--and her
parents were French. But we were all friends together; and Fritz
and she loved each other, and were about to be betrothed. Then came
these troubles, and the priest forbade Renee to wed a heretic; and
though she herself would have been faithful, her parents were
afraid. It seemed to all then that the French were going to be
masters of the land. There was another youth who loved her also,
and to him they married her. That was just before we came away--a
dozen of us English youths, who could not stand the new state of
things and the strife of party. Fritz has neither forgotten nor
forgiven. The name of France us odious in his ears."

"And in yours, too?" asked Humphrey.

Julian's face was grave and thoughtful.

"I have my moments of passionate anger. I hate everything that is
vile and treacherous and aggressive. But I would seek to remember
that after all we are brothers, and that we all bear the name of
Christ. That is what Father Fritz of old sought to make us
remember. Perhaps it comes the easier to me in that I have French
blood in my veins, albeit I regard myself now as an English
subject. I have cast in my lot with the English."

Humphrey and Julian drew together, much as did Charles and Fritz.