In the private and doleful dialogues between Bodman and Grafigni which we have just been overhearing, these intriguers spoke the truth, for they could have no wish to deceive each other, and no fear of eaves-droppers not to be born till centuries afterwards.

These conversations have revealed to us that the Lord Treasurer and three of his colleagues had been secretly doing their best to cripple Leicester, to stop the supplies for the Netherlands, and to patch up a hurried and unsatisfactory, if not a disgraceful peace; and this, with the concurrence of her Majesty.

After their plots had been discovered by the vigilant Secretary of State, there was a disposition to discredit the humbler instruments in the cabal.
Elizabeth was not desirous of peace.

Far from it.

She was qualmish at the very suggestion.