His mind and manner were authoritative.
"We know most positively from the Emperor's London agents that the
war is unpopular in England; we know that public opinion is being
prepared for a British retreat, for the driving of the British into
the sea, as must inevitably happen once Monsieur le Prince decides
to launch his bolt. Here in the Tagus the British fleet lies ready
to embark the troops, and the British Cabinet itself" (he spoke more
slowly and emphatically) "expects that embarkation to take place at
latest in September, which is just about the time that the French
offensive should be at its height and the French troops under the
very walls of Lisbon. I admit that by this policy of devastation
if, indeed, it be true - added to a stubborn contesting of every
foot of ground, the French advance may be retarded. But the process
will be costly to Britain in lives and money."
"And more costly still to Portugal," croaked the Marquis of Minas.
"And, as you, say, Monsieur le Marquis, more costly still to Portugal.
Let me for a moment show you another side of the picture. The
French administration, so sane, so cherishing, animated purely by
ideas of progress, enforcing wise and beneficial laws, making ever
for the prosperity and well-being of conquered nations, knows how to
render itself popular wherever it is established.
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