“Well,” answered the Ruard, “there are plenty of vagabonds and ruffians below who would not hesitate—call up some of them.”
“Oh, Mynheer!” cried the distressed secretary, “those you hear are friends of His Highness—respectable people—they only clamour for your signature.”
M. de Witt turned away his head as if in weariness.
“Whatever happens,” he said shortly, “I cannot sign.”
His wife put out her hand and clasped his that lay on the coverlet.
“Cornelius,” she urged in an unsteady voice, “it is not safe to refuse.”
“As a citizen of Dordt I cannot do otherwise,” he answered briefly.
“There are the children,” said Maria de Witt.
The Ruard flashed a stern look at the secretary.
“Are you incapable of protecting my house and family?” he demanded.