“It is with M. de Witt I wish to speak,” he said.
“I shall not disturb Your Highness.”
But John de Witt interposed.
“My brother is in the entire confidence of the States, Highness, and you may say what you have come to say before him.”
“Mynheer the Ruard may be in your confidence, M. de Witt,” replied William, still with a slight smile, “but he is not in mine.”
Cornelius took up his plumed hat and bowed proudly to the Prince.
“Good day, Your Highness. Good day, brother.”
William gave him as careless a salute as he dared and turned his back as the Ruard closed the door.
John de Witt’s just indignation was not softened by this haughtiness.
“What is the object of this visit?” he demanded. “After keeping me entirely ignorant of your movements, why do you come to my house in this informal way?”