But he controlled himself, and made a movement as if he would have thrust them into the breast of his coat, forgetting he wore a cuirass.
Recollecting himself he flung the documents down on the table.
“Your Highness,”—Sir Edward addressed him, coming forward—“we are directed to ask for your answer, and the answer of the States, within ten days.”
William looked at him, and saw a high-bred gentleman, handsome and proud, with languid brown eyes; and dressed richly in a murrey-coloured travelling costume.
“You are Sir Edward Seymour?” queried the Stadtholder.
The Englishman bowed.
“Why are you sent here, Sir Edward?” demanded William. “Sir Gabriel could have brought the dispatch alone.”
The bluntness of this slightly discomposed Sir Edward’s stateliness.
He made a little motion with his riding-whip towards the Dutch nobles—