M. de Groot bowed.
“I thank Your Highness, but I am bound to carry out the instructions given me by Their High Mightinesses.”
“You are very rash,” said William.
Peter de Groot answered proudly—
“Perhaps I am, Highness—I undertake a difficult and thankless task—but there is some hope for the Republic while she can find those who will sacrifice themselves for her.”
“Do you think that you serve your country by this humiliating errand?” demanded the Prince angrily.
“I think,” replied M. de Groot, with calm dignity, “that I undertake a dangerous embassy in difficult times—I think, Highness, that I carry with me the destinies of my country.”
“What terms are you to offer France?” William’s eyes narrowed and his lips compressed.
“I have full powers to conclude a peace——”