It was the Prince; as he entered he paused, seeing the Countess, who had instantly risen.
"Lady Sunderland!" he exclaimed, before Mary could speak, and stood amazed.
They had last seen each other on the occasion of the Prince's last visit to England, and though he knew her at once he found her considerably changed.
"The Earl hath fallen?" he added swiftly.
Lady Sunderland was mistress of herself immediately on his appearance. By force of her long training she fell into the same manner she would have used to him at Whitehall or Windsor; she gave him a great courtly curtsy.
"The Earl is a refugee at Amsterdam, Your Highness," she said, "and I am here beseeching charity."
"Ah." William drew a quick breath. "I thought my lord was safe enough—the King discovered him?"
"No, sir, the Catholics unseated him."
The Prince crossed slowly to the fire.
"So," he said slowly—"well, Madam, the Earl is safe in Amsterdam, and the Princess will make you welcome."