"M. van Keppel is the most obliging, sweet-tempered gentleman in the world, and one most devoted to Your Majesty."
"And a great friend of your lordship," said Portland, with a cold haughtiness. He perceived, as he thought, a design on the part of Sunderland and Somers, with perhaps Marlborough behind them, to put up a rival to share with him the King's affections, which had been wholly his for near their joint lives, and he could not contain his scorn and resentment, nor was he assuaged by the obvious unconsciousness of the King.
Romney made some attempt to shift the subject; he came forward in the easy gracious way habitual to him.
"Your Majesty will be soon for Flanders, then?" he asked. "It is a noble resolution."
William rose.
"I think it is my duty," he answered. He took up the plans of Greenwich Palace from the window-sill. "I think it is all there is for me to do. I thank you, my lords," he added, with dignity, "for having so long borne with me."
He gave a little bow and left them to enter the inner room. As the door closed on him Sunderland smiled at the other two.
"Have I not succeeded?" he demanded. "He is roused, he will go out to the war, I even think that he will take Namur."
"You are very clever, my lord," admitted Romney, "and surely you have done the King a great service."
Portland broke in hotly—