He tore open the other letter, glanced over it and put it down.
“M. de Witt has seen the Princess,” he said. “She is, of course, frightened——”
“For your safety, Highness?”
“For her own share in this affair; flattered too, I think, by M. de Witt’s overtures. She never could resist tampering with the Republic—she has always injured me with her intrigues,” he added, with feeling.
“And M. de Witt?”
“He bids me take care what I say to the States of Zeeland, warns me that he withdraws his promise with regard to the Council of State—that he will, in fact, do all in his power to prevent my election, and that since I have proved myself his enemy he cannot treat me as his friend. There is a great deal more, very worthy matter, but that is the pith of it.”
He took up his grandmother’s letter.
“Her Highness would keep on good terms with M. de Witt. She advises me to say as little as possible here, and to return as quietly as may be.…”
“What do you think of this advice?” asked M. Van Odyk.
William gave him a quick, keen glance.