M. Beverningh greeted them all impartially.
Matthew Bromley and Florent entered behind him, the Englishman dragging news of the Hague from his slow companion.
The steady sound of low, earnest voices filled the tent.
Only William Van Odyk stood silent, staring at the ground.
It was very quiet without; so quiet that the sudden jingle of harness and sound of a horse’s hoofs made them abruptly hold their converse.
The second flap was lifted; M. Beverningh stepped forward.
The Prince entered quickly, followed by William Bentinck.
The bar of sunshine making a dazzle before his eyes, and, the other men being withdrawn into the shadows, he did not instantly perceive any one but Mr. Bromley and the Deputy for Holland.
“M. Beverningh?” he said breathlessly, “M. Beverningh, ah, what is this that they tell me, that M. de Witt——”