The King sat up and looked at Portland and the Englishmen.
"Ah!" he said, in an angry, broken voice. "What device is this you put upon me? No use, my lords, no use; this back will bear no more burdens."
"Absolve me," cried Portland. "I know nothing of this——"
"A trick," continued the King—"a trick to spur me. What are you, Mynheer, to come and tell me of my duty?"
- van Keppel threw himself again on his knees.
"The King is needed," he repeated, with great passion. "I love Your Majesty enough to dare tell you so. Sire, the Republic crieth out to Your Majesty!"
"Who told you to speak thus?" asked William bitterly.
"M. Heinsius," answered the young soldier instantly.
At that name the King changed countenance.
"M. Heinsius," he muttered; then he fixed M. van Keppel with a keen look and added—"Why did he choose you?"