“I beseech you to try your best, my lord.”
“I shall always be mindful of Your Highness’ interests.”
“If Your Highness is mindful of them yourself,” added Buckingham.
William took no heed of him.
“My lord,” he continued to Arlington, “I should wish you to see some of the States; M. Beuningen is with me—we will approach this matter after supper.”
“Highness,” answered the Earl, “I would warn you—at the present juncture—to make no mention to the States of the offer of the sovereignty of the Provinces.”
“I will make no promise,” said William, who, being jealous of his word, was always loath to bind himself. “I must say what I think fit, my lord.”
“It is for your own good we give the caution,” advised Buckingham arrogantly.
Again the Prince ignored him.
“Count Struym has found accommodation for you, my lord,” he told Arlington. “I will see you at supper.… It were better, perhaps, we considered privately before we said anything further in this matter.”