“On any terms?”
“On the best terms M. de Louvois will give.”
“My God!” cried William, with irrepressible passion. “And what do you think Louis will ask?”
“We hope that M. de Louvois will be reasonable and His Majesty generous.”
“Generous!” repeated the Prince, very pale. “Have we come to sue the generosity of the French!”
He took a step towards M. de Groot, his hand on his sword-hilt, and those who saw his face perceived that he could hate—that he could prove implacable.
“I have some authority here, at least.… You will leave the camp.”
“Your Highness——” began M. Van Odyk.
William turned on the three of them.
“You can go,” he said, “and sell your country for the highest price you can get … but you will not find it easy to put the purchaser in possession.”