The two ministers had tacitly agreed to follow lines which apparently could not cross.

France was left free to expand by land, provided she did not excite the jealousy of the English people, and Walpole's own sense of English interests, by rivalry at sea.

This course suited Fleuri's views and wishes.

The one sought power by sea, the other by land.

Which had been wiser, war was to show; for, with Spain as an ally to one party, war had to come, and that on the sea.