“When His Highness is out of it M. de Witt is the strongest man in the Hague,” remarked Jerome Beverningh. “He can do what he pleases, methinks, despite his unpopularity. Is he not sending some one to acquaint us with this news?”
“The envoys themselves, Mynheer, are to explain their mission; I believe they will soon be at the camp. It was M. Fagel’s wish that I should anticipate them with His Highness——”
M. Beverningh interrupted pleasantly—
“And soften the news? M. Fagel is wise.”
“He seemed agitated, Mynheer, that he had been forced to support M. de Witt, and anxious not to slip in His Highness’ good graces—I have a letter from him.”
The elder man swung round on his chair, he looked little and stooping but his eyes were calm and clever.
“You have heard news of the war?” he demanded briskly.
“What every one has heard, yes,” answered Florent.
“Mostly disasters?”