A large fire filled the room with cheerful light that glowed on the polished Dutch pottery and rich Dutch pictures on the mantelshelf and walls. On a marquetry bureau, with glittering brass fuchsia-shaped handles, was a pile of unopened letters, and amid them a blue-glazed earthenware dragon that used to stand in the Queen's withdrawing-room at Hampton Court.
Sunderland paused, looking at the King. The three other men remained inside the door, watching with painful attention.
"Sire," said the Earl, "there is news from France. M. de Luxembourg, who was your greatest enemy, is dead."
The King did not move.
"It is a great loss to King Louis," added Sunderland. "They say M. de Villeroy is to have the command."
William slowly turned his head and looked at the speaker, but without interest or animation, almost, it seemed, without recognition.
Sunderland came nearer. A book was lying on the window-seat, he glanced at it—it was Dr. Tenison's sermon on the text, "I have sworn and am steadfastly purposed to keep thy righteous judgments," which had been preached after the Queen's death, and printed by the King's command.
Sunderland spoke again.
"The Whigs have ousted my Lord Leeds and his friend Trevor—and continue to press heavily upon him."
Again it was doubtful if the King heard; he fixed his large mournful eyes steadily upon the Earl, and made no sign nor answer.