For full ten days in this merry month, high revelry was
held at Dover, during which time Henrietta skilfully and secretly
effected the object of her visit. And her delight was now the
greater, inasmuch as one item which this agreement entrusted her
to make, engaged that Charles would, as soon as he could with
safety, follow the example of his brother the Duke of York, and
become a Catholic. In carrying out this purpose Louis promised
him substantial aid and sure protection. Likewise, it may be
mentioned, did the French king engrage to grant him a subsidy
equal to a million a year, if Charles joined him in an attack on
Holland.
The prospect of his sister's return filled the king with sorrow,
which increased as the term of her visit drew to an end. "He
wept when he parted with her," wrote Monsieur Colbert, the French
ambassador, who significantly adds, "whatever favour she asked of
him was granted."
Now Louis knowing the weakness of the English monarch's
character, and aware of his susceptibility to female loveliness,
had despatched Mademoiselle de Querouaille in the train of
Henrietta. Satisfied that Charles could not resist her charms,
the French monarch had instructed this accomplished woman, who
was trusted in his councils, to accept the royal love, which it
was surmised would be proffered her; so that by the influence
which she would consequently obtain, she might hold him to the
promises he might make the Duchess of Orleans.
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