He stepped forward and at the same time checked his words, for he saw the little group behind the table.
A complete silence fell, and though it endured but a moment it was long enough to take effect.
William stood suddenly motionless; he cast his large eyes over the men facing him as if he found himself in some trap.
“M. de Groot,” he said at length, “you have a message for me from M. de Witt.”
His manner and his voice were cold, but it was not the coldness of indifference. His entry had brought into the tent a spirit of passion and hostility; it seemed to Florent that two parties had instantly formed—the Prince’s friends and his enemies.
“These are the commissioners from the States General, Your Highness——” began Jerome Beverningh suavely.
William cut him short—
“So Count Struym told me.”
The embassy came forward. To Van Odyk and de Groot his greeting was curt; to M. Van Ghent he said: “I am sorry about your brother, Mynheer, but it was a fortunate way to die.”
M. Van Ghent bowed in silence. The Prince leant against the little table and looked from him to M. de Groot.