William remained where he was, standing by the breakfast-table, his hand resting on the rail of M. Beuningen’s chair.
The Duke, over-dressed and flamboyant, trailing a purple velvet mantle over one shoulder and carrying his hat with long rose-coloured feathers, seated himself without ado; but Arlington, more respectful, remained on his feet.
“I trust the night has brought wisdom to Your Highness,” said Buckingham, swinging his embroidered gloves by the tassels.
“I can only repeat the proposals I made yesterday,” replied the Prince. “My influence with the States permits me to promise their execution. As to what you propose, my lords, the States will never accede to such terms, nor could I advise them to.”
Arlington answered with great earnestness. The success of his mission lay with this attempt to gain the Prince—
“Sir, forget the States awhile,” he said. “We speak to you—as a Prince of our Royal House—to show the consideration and friendship of His Majesty.… Sir, you must believe that we are sincere.… Cromwell made your exclusion from power a condition of peace with the United Provinces.… King Charles will make your restoration a condition—yea, restoration to a greater position than ever your ancestors possessed.”
William seated himself and looked on the ground.
The Earl continued, in his smooth, pleasant voice—
“These burghers have behaved insolently to you, Your Highness. It hath always been His Majesty’s intention to make them repent their ingratitude to your House. He now proves his entire friendship by this offer—which is, we repeat, the sovereignty of Holland and other lands, in return for your alliance with His Majesty, the cautionary towns, and the delivery of the remaining forts into the hands of His Majesty of France.”
The Prince glanced up.