“He goes to Zeeland?” questioned de Witt, and his eyes narrowed.
“I think so, Mynheer.”
A fierce exclamation broke from de Montbas, but John de Witt in silence tore the seals of the letter.
It was headed—
“Vlaardingen on the Maas
“11th Sept. 1668
“Mynheer,” it ran, “as I am now arrived at an age when I can claim the heritage of my House, I am proceeding, on the invitation of Zeeland, to Middelburg, there to take my seat as premier noble of that State. Her Highness the Princess of Orange, and His Serene Highness the Elector of Brandenburg, have been pleased to declare me of age. I did not consider it necessary to request permission of Their High Mightinesses before I took this journey. Upon my return to the Hague I shall be desirous of personally conveying to you my affection and duty,
“William, Prince of Orange.”
John de Witt laid the letter down. Florent thought that his face, his whole bearing, had wonderfully changed.
“His Highness was accompanied?” he asked.