William interrupted.
“Mynheer, what use are the good graces of M. de Witt to me?”
The Lord of Beverwaert shrugged his shoulders.
“He represents the United Provinces.”
The Prince pushed back the heavy, reddish curls that gave such a marked character to his face.
“The United Provinces and I understand each other,” he answered impatiently, “without the intervention of M. de Witt.”
Then, seeing the look in M. Van Odyk’s face, he blushed with vexation lest he had been betrayed for once into an expression too outspoken.
“I shall offend M. de Witt no further than I can help,” he added, his manner instantly restrained again. He looked down at the Princess’s letter that he still held.
“We will return to the Hague to-morrow, Mynheer, and I will see Her Highness before she becomes enmeshed in intrigues.”
“You have not much confidence in Her Highness,” remarked the Lord of Beverwaert.