“You must forgive me for disturbing you, Mynheer.”
“I intended waiting on Your Highness myself immediately,” replied the Grand Pensionary formally.
“Their High Mightinesses consider that I should leave the Hague to-morrow,” answered William in the same tone, “since the King of France hath joined his camp at Charleroi.”
John de Witt advanced a little across the room.
“Will you be seated, Highness?”
The Prince took the chair Jacob de Witt had quitted.
He still wore his hat; it heavily shaded his face, that was, even for him, pale. He coughed continually as he spoke, and his eyes were unnaturally brilliant and languid lidded.
“We have not seen each other since your appointment,” said John de Witt, “and I am glad to have this opportunity of speaking to Your Highness.”
William laid his fringed gloves, his riding-whip, and a red rose he was carrying down on the table beside him.