He found that despatches, very encouraging and agreeable in their tenor, had also just arrived from Davison.

The Queen was in good humour.

She took the letter from Ortel, read it attentively, and paused a good while.

Then she assured him that her good affection towards the Provinces was not in the least changed, and that she thanked the States for the confidence in her that they were manifesting.

"It is unnecessary," said the Queen, "for me to repeat over and over again sentiments which I have so plainly declared.