The weak and corrupt Albeville was then on a visit to England, and was, or affected to be, certain that the Dutch government entertained no design unfriendly to James.

But, during the absence of Albeville from his post, Avaux performed, with eminent skill, the duties both of French and English Ambassador to the States, and supplied Barillon as well as Lewis with ample intelligence.

Avaux was satisfied that a descent on England was in contemplation, and succeeded in convincing his master of the truth.

Every courier who arrived at Westminster, either from the Hague or from Versailles, brought earnest warnings.

[467] But James was under a delusion which appears to have been artfully encouraged by Sunderland.