Refuge arrived soon afterwards, and made the communication to the States-General of the approaching nuptials between the King of France and the Infanta of Spain; and of the Prince of Spain with Madame, eldest daughter of France, exactly as Aerssens had predicted four months before.  There was a great flourish of compliments, much friendly phrase-making, and their Mightinesses were informed that the communication of the marriages was made to them before any other power had been notified, in proof of the extraordinary affection entertained for them by France.  “You are so much interested in the happiness of France,” said Refuge, “that this treaty by which it is secured will be for your happiness also.  He did not indicate, however, the precise nature of the bliss beyond the indulgence of a sentimental sympathy, not very refreshing in the circumstances, which was to result to the Confederacy from this close alliance between their firmest friend and their ancient and deadly enemy.  He would have found it difficult to do so.

“Don Rodrigo de Calderon, secretary of state, is daily expected from Spain,” wrote, Aerssens once more.  “He brings probably the articles of the marriages, which have hitherto been kept secret, so they say.  ’Tis a shrewd negotiator; and in this alliance the King’s chief design is to injure your Mightinesses, as M. de Villeroy now confesses, although he says that this will not be consented to on this side.  It behoves your Mightinesses to use all your ears and eyes.  It is certain these are much more than private conventions.  Yes, there is nothing private about them, save the conjunction of the persons whom they concern.  In short, all the conditions regard directly the state, and directly likewise, or by necessary consequence, the state of your Mightinesses’ Provinces.  I reserve explanations until it shall please your Mightinesses to hear me by word of mouth.”

For it was now taken into consideration by the States’ government whether Aerssens was to remain at his post or to return.  Whether it was his wish to be relieved of his embassy or not was a question.  But there was no question that the States at this juncture, and in spite of the dangers impending from the Spanish marriages, must have an ambassador ready to do his best to keep France from prematurely sliding into positive hostility to them.  Aerssens was enigmatical in his language, and Barneveld was somewhat puzzled.

“I have according to your reiterated requests,” wrote the Advocate to the Ambassador, “sounded the assembly of My Lords the States as to your recall; but I find among some gentlemen the opinion that if earnestly pressed to continue you would be willing to listen to the proposal.  This I cannot make out from your letters.  Please to advise me frankly as to your wishes, and assure yourself in everything of my friendship.”

Nothing could be more straightforward than this language, but the Envoy was less frank than Barneveld, as will subsequently appear.  The subject was a most important one, not only in its relation to the great affairs of state, but to momentous events touching the fate of illustrious personages.