"This is the Princess, sir."
The sailor turned quickly, and gave her a sharp look as he bowed.
"This is Admiral Herbert, Madame," continued the Prince, "who is new come from England."
The colour receded from Mary's face. She glanced in a half frightened way at her husband.
"Oh," she murmured, "I wished to speak to you—but it can wait—for I suppose Admiral Herbert his business is ... important."
There was a tenseness of containment among the three of them, as if they were all aware of great events and would not speak of them.
"If the Princess is informed——" began Arthur Herbert.
The Stadtholder interrupted.
"The Princess knoweth everything, Mr. Herbert."
Arthur Herbert betrayed the slightest surprise, covered instantly by a ready turn of speech.