“If we are to have a country, Mynheer, the progress of the French must be stopped.”
M. Fagel tried to rally.
“Well, cannot we send more levies to His Highness?”
“Not, I fear, in time … from Beverningh’s letter I think they will abandon the line of the Yssel.”
M. Fagel poured himself out another glass of Chablis, and invited M. de Witt to join him. The Grand Pensionary took the glass mechanically and set it down untasted.
“Cannot we consult the Prince?” asked M. Fagel, who was afraid of offending William and wished to shift the responsibility.
John de Witt saw his motive.
“This is not a matter for the Captain General but for the States,” he answered with a stern dignity. “His Highness hath enough to do.”
Save by betraying himself as a servile and unpatriotic courtier of the Prince, M. Fagel could resist no more.
He shrugged his shoulders.