He opened it. M. Heenvliet, the Prince’s first gentleman-in-waiting, stood without, holding a candle. He was fully dressed.
“The Messenger from the Hague has arrived. I and M. Van Odyk were not yet abed, so saw him come up to the Abbey; M. Van Odyk thinks His Highness should see the letters now.”
“From whom are they?” asked Mr. Bromley.
“The Princess and M. de Witt.”
“They can wait till the morning—the Prince sleeps so ill.”
“M. Van Odyk thought he should have time to consider them before he makes his speech in the Assembly to-morrow.”
“Is every one else abed?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I will go rouse His Highness,” said Mr. Bromley reluctantly. “Will you desire M. Van Odyk to come up with the letters?”
M. Heenvliet withdrew, and Mr. Bromley crossed to the adjoining chamber, a long, low apartment that the fitful light of his single candle showed hung with tapestries and to be plainly but richly furnished.