Of course I do know it is the French who are so wicked; but there are all these people who keep coming and going - the Austrians, the Spaniards, the Russians. Pray, are the Russians good now? It would be very shocking - treason no doubt - to put the wrong people in my prayers.
The quote reflects a sense of irony and skepticism about the nature of different nationalities during wartime. The speaker acknowledges that the French are widely considered wicked but questions the morality of other nations such as the Austrians, Spaniards, and Russians. This highlights the complex feelings towards allies and enemies, suggesting that opinions may shift based on circumstances.
Additionally, the concern about properly categorizing who deserves prayers underscores a deeper anxiety about loyalty and treason. The speaker's apprehension about inadvertently praying for the "wrong" group illustrates the tangled web of alliances and animosities, revealing how war complicates personal beliefs and relationships.