Now Peter de Groot flushed hotly.
“It is better to save a portion than to lose all,” he said, “and I do not think my diplomacy can be less successful than Your Highness’ arms.”
The Prince cast a flashing glance on him, and the colour sprang slightly into his hollow cheeks.
“You are even bolder than I thought, M. de Groot … but, as you say, I have nothing to do with the civil government … there will be a reckoning.… Go to the King of France and take his terms, and see the lands ploughed up and sown with salt, that no one may benefit by them even to the third generation.”
He sat down in the humble chair by the little table and rested his brow in his gloved hand.
To those who watched it was painful, knowing his usual composure, to see how moved he was.
He deigned no further word to the commissioners, who left the tent accompanied by the Deputies of the State.
M. Bentinck questioned Mr. Bromley aside as to Van Mander’s presence.
Florent came forward with some awe on him, he did not dare address the Prince.
“I am come with a letter from M. Fagel,” he ventured to William Bentinck.