I also knew that in no instance had he ever intended to fulfil the treaty.

His purpose in each case was probably to create a temporary alliance with that one state while he was in trouble with another.

His daughter would inherit a domain richer than that of any king in Europe, and the duke certainly would be contented with nothing less than the hand of an heir to a crown.

Suitors for the fair Mary came from every land.

All were entertained; but the princess remained unbetrothed.
A few broad hints in my letters to Hymbercourt produced the result I so much desired.