The English deputies departed, leaving the Prince very pale, very composed, standing by his chair in the modest room, and William Bentinck silent against the window-frame.
“Here’s a proud piece,” said Buckingham, as he flaunted out into the twilight. “Here’s a to do over a few miles of marsh!”
He was, in truth, deeply mortified by the Prince’s cold reception.
“Wait until he has seen his advisers—he will subscribe to our proposals yet,” answered Arlington, himself disappointed. “What prince of one-and-twenty ever preferred his country to his interests?—besides——”
“Besides he hath no alternative,” added Buckingham, “and must know it. This is but playing with us to enhance his own value. Wait till to-night, my lord, you will see me prove myself a pretty politician.”
CHAPTER III
THE ANSWER
William Bentinck, carrying a candle, went up the narrow, polished stairs to the Prince’s apartment.
It was between four and five of the morning, within the house still quite dark and silent at last.