Their attention had been divided between the inquiry into the slaughter of Glencoe and some specious commercial projects of which the nature will be explained and the fate related in a future chapter.
Meanwhile all Europe was looking anxiously towards the Low Countries.
The great warrior who had been victorious at Fleurus, at Steinkirk and at Landen had not left his equal behind him.

But France still possessed Marshals well qualified for high command.

Already Catinat and Boufflers had given proofs of skill, of resolution, and of zeal for the interests of the state.

Either of those distinguished officers would have been a successor worthy of Luxemburg and an antagonist worthy of William; but their master, unfortunately for himself, preferred to both the Duke of Villeroy.

The new general had been Lewis's playmate when they were both children, had then become a favourite, and had never ceased to be so.
In those superficial graces for which the French aristocracy was then renowned throughout Europe, Villeroy was preeminent among the French aristocracy.