of Henrietta Maria was still, for the most part, in the
treasury of France. When one remembers that 1628 saw
Charles I driven by his necessities to concede the Petition
of Right, it will be readily seen that he desired the
payment of his wife's dowry. Hence Richelieu, whose
talents in diplomacy were above praise, had substantial
reason to expect that Canada and Acadia would be restored.
The negotiations dragged on for more than two years, and
were complicated by disputes growing out of the captures
made under letter of marque. When all was settled by the
Treaty of St Germain-en-Laye (March 1632) Quebec and Port
Royal became once more French--to the profound discontent
of the Kirkes and Sir William Alexander, [Footnote:
Alexander had received grants from the British crown in
1621 and 1625 which covered the whole coast from St Croix
Island to the St Lawrence.] but with such joy on the part
of Champlain as only patriots can know who have given a
lifelong service to their country.

Having regained Canada, Richelieu was forced to decide
what he would do with it. In certain important respects
the situation had changed since 1627, when he founded
the Company of New France. Then Gustavus Adolphus and
the Swedes were not a factor in the dire strife which
was convulsing Europe. [Footnote: At this period the
largest interest in European politics was the rivalry
between France and the House of Hapsburg, which held the
thrones of Spain and Austria. This rivalry led France to
take an active part in the Thirty Years' War, even though
her allies in that struggle were Protestants. Between