“I am greatly obliged to you,” said William, “for I think you have acquitted yourself creditably.”
Sir Gabriel kissed his hand.
“Mr. Bromley has some monies of mine, and he will give you what you need,” added the Prince evenly. “And I will now tell you, myself, what you will hear presently bruited abroad, that M. de Witt hath despatched an embassy for peace to the King of France—which is something I cannot talk of.”
“Surely, Highness,” answered Sir Gabriel, “that will fall in with this deputation from England.”
“I would have the alliance of England, not peace with France,” said the Prince sternly.
Sylvius glanced at William Bentinck, and was about to withdraw.
“The officer without will take you to Bromley’s tent—Florent Van Mander is the name of the young man I mentioned—you shall shortly hear from me.”
Sir Gabriel bowed himself in silence out of the now dimly-lit tent.
The Prince sat with his elbow on the table and his cheek in his hand.
“This is hopeful news, surely,” said M. Bentinck cheerfully.