“Afterwards,” said William,—“afterwards!”
The messenger was introduced; a Frenchman of commonplace exterior, his demeanour very humble. The Stadtholder, alone with him save for M. Bentinck, spoke with impetuous frankness.
“What does my uncle want of me? I will do anything consistent with my vows to the Republic.”
Arlington had sent an extraordinary proposal. Lord Halifax was in the King’s confidence, he said, and was now in Holland.… Would the Prince meet him, unknown to the French—secretly?
William gave an immediate consent, but Bentinck interrupted.
“You are dangerously rash, Highness; this man’s tale is strange, and his errand still stranger for a Frenchman to have come upon. Sir Edward Seymour gave you no hint of this.”
But the Prince was dazzled by the bait.
“I can refuse no chance of coming to an agreement with King Charles.”
He turned to the messenger, but before his first word the door was opened and Florent Van Mander entered, his hand on his sword and his face resolute.