An air of expectancy and gloom lay over the whole Assembly. The white, anxious faces of the States were in sharp contrast to the peaceful scene visible through the fine tall windows; the sparkling water of the Vyver, the swans sailing round their green islands, the stately avenues of chestnuts and elms beyond.
Every one in the chamber was looking at the Stadtholder.
He stood on the step before his chair and held the dispatches brought him yesterday by Sir Gabriel Sylvius. He wore the habit he had travelled in: cuirass, high boots, dark velvet, and a purple scarf.
He wore his beaver with the long black plume; across his chair were thrown mantle and gloves.
His bright glance swept the silent, agitated faces turned towards him. He opened the dispatches and read the terms of France:—
“Possession of all the towns of the Republic in Brabant and Flanders—the frontiers of the United Provinces to be withdrawn as far as the river Leek—this leaving Guelders, Beteuse, and Loevenstein in the hands of France.
“Overyssel to be given to the Bishop of Munster. Rynberg to be ceded to the Elector of Cologne. Delfyzl and its dependencies to be ceded to the King of England.
“Crevecœur, Hertogenbosch, and Maestricht to be handed over to the French.
“The Catholic religion to be freely allowed in the States.