"There is a galloper from Flanders with news," she said; her voice was strained, and she clasped her hands tightly together to steady them.
A broken exclamation escaped the Prince.
"If the French are marching on the frontiers I cannot go!"
The grooms came forward and took his great horse; he sprang from the saddle and went with the Princess up the shallow sun-flooded steps.
"Oh, my dear!" cried Mary under her breath, "if there are ill advices——"
He pressed her hand fiercely.
"I cannot leave the country if they are invading Flanders——"
In the simple vestibule was the impatient messenger—a young Spanish officer, who went, very courtly, on one knee when the Prince entered, and handed a packet from M. de Castagnana.
"News of the French?" demanded William swiftly.
"I do believe so, Highness."