William smiled at him affectionately and tolerantly—
“Possibly—just possibly I might detach England from France.…”
M. Bentinck laughed.
“You are become a statesman as well as a soldier, Sir, and meditate great designs.”
“Do you imagine that these English come with serious purpose to listen to reasonable terms?” asked the Prince quickly.
“I imagine King Charles will contrive your advantage——”
“Mine!—what of the States?”
“The States!” M. Bentinck shrugged his shoulders. “The States are your enemies, Sir!”
“M. de Witt is my enemy,” answered William; “which is, perhaps, another matter.”
He took the twisted, silver taper-holder, melted the wax at the lamp and sealed his letter.