“An it please you I will hear you now,” replied the Prince.
The Earl was drawing off his gloves.
“You must not confuse the King’s action against the States with his feelings towards yourself, Highness,” he said.
“Yet I must exclaim against my uncle for this war.”
“Sir, I assure you he would never have undertaken it had he not seen your account very clear.”
The young General lowered his eyes.
“In the war, my lord?”
“Yes; it was always His Majesty’s intention to avenge the ill-treatment of Your Highness by the States,” replied Arlington. “And this war may be much to your advantage.”
William looked up.
“My lord, I cannot discuss the matter from that standpoint.… I speak as the General of the forces of the United Provinces.”