Still the Prince gave the impression of being so absorbed in some particular affair that he did not know to whom he spoke.
But as they waited on the winged steps, after having hastily knocked, he suddenly explained himself.
“My old tutor, Mynheer Cornelius Triglandt, wrote to me that he was lying ill here. I did not even know that he was at the Hague.”
Florent looked sharply at the Prince. After all, despite his gravity, reserve, and caution, William had then an honest simplicity; … and, with all his pride, the frankness of single-mindedness, and the winning modesty of youth and quick affection.
The door was opened by a girl wearing a garnet necklace, a white cap, and long gold earrings glimmering in the lamp-light.
“Mynheer Cornelius Triglandt is here?” asked the Prince quickly.
“Yes, Mynheer.”
She opened the door wider and they passed into the cedarwood hall.
“Is he very ill?” questioned William.