This was to Portland incredible impertinence; he stared at the flushed, generous face with bitterly angry eyes; but William seemed relieved.
"Yes, let the news wait," he said, and rose.
"If this was known in London what would they say?" broke out Portland.
"How can it be known in London when I have none here but friends?" answered the King.
"I thank Your Majesty for including me with M. van Keppel as your friend," flashed Portland.
The King looked at him sharply, then from one man to another.
"Mynheer van Keppel," he said, "you will return to M. de Bavaria and tell him to be in readiness for a message from us."
The officer bowed with great deference and sweetness to his master and the Earl, and instantly retired.
"Will you not read those letters?" asked Portland, in no way appeased.
William gave him a glance between reproach and wonder, broke the seals, and looked over the letters.