such design or project, but that it had been said that the Contra-
Remonstrants were entertaining such a scheme. I would have shown the
letter to him myself, but I thought it not fair, for good reasons, to
make M. du Agean known as the informant. I do not think it amiss for you
to write yourself to his Excellency and tell him what is said, but
whether it would be proper to give up the name of your author, I think
doubtful. At all events one must consult about it. We live in a strange
world, and one knows not whom to trust."

He instructed the Ambassador to enquire into the foundation of these
statements of du Agean and send advices by every occasion of this affair
and others of equal interest. He was however much more occupied with
securing the goodwill of the French government, which he no more
suspected of tampering in these schemes against the independence of the
Republic than he did Maurice himself. He relied and he had reason to
rely on their steady good offices in the cause of moderation and
reconciliation. "We are not yet brought to the necessary and much
desired unity," he said, "but we do not despair, hoping that his
Majesty's efforts through M. du Maurier, both privately and publicly,
will do much good. Be assured that they are very agreeable to all
rightly disposed people . . . . My trust is that God the Lord will
give us a happy issue and save this country from perdition." He approved
of the presents to the two ladies as suggested by Langerac if by so doing
the payment of the arrearages could be furthered. He was still hopeful
and confident in the justice of his cause and the purity of his
conscience. "Aerssens is crowing like a cock," he said, "but the truth
will surely prevail."