"Concessions?" interrupted the Prince.
"Sir, he gave back the charter to the city with due solemnity, and their privileges to the fellows of Oxford and Cambridge, and there was held an inquiry into the birth of the Prince of Wales—all of which but wasted the dignity of His Majesty and brought more ridicule than respect—for all are equally eager for Your Highness, and these concessions come too late."
"Too late, indeed," said William quietly. "I hope this week to be in England. How came you across, Madam? I have stopped the packet service lest they carry too sure advices of what we do here——"
Lady Sunderland smiled sadly.
"In a little owler, sir, we slipped off from Margate sands, and the weather was so terrible we were like to have been whelmed by the overtopping waves; yet we gained Maaslandsluys, and from there my lord went on to Amsterdam——"
"He was wise," said the Prince, "not to come to The Hague."
Lady Sunderland looked at Mary, who had stood motionless so long.
"Your Highness—may I not retire? I have taken too much of your time——"
The Princess turned about with a little start.
"Where are you lodging?" she asked.