"Tolerance for heretics is only to be expected from a Prince united so closely to them."
"Perhaps," said William indifferently; "but I was not talking of my tolerance, but of Your Eminence's policy."
"That is known, clear, and will not be altered," said Granvelle; he raised his glass and slowly sipped his wine.
William leant forward across the marble table set with the mingled luxuries of crystal and silver, and fixed his dark eyes on the churchman's serene face.
"Cardinal Granvelle," he said earnestly, "do you mean to force the Inquisition on the Netherlands?"
"I mean," answered Granvelle, with his habitual evasion, "to fulfil to the letter the commands of His Majesty."
"Whatever they may be?"
"Most certainly—yes."
"Even if the King enforces the Emperor's edicts against heresy?"
"He will not do so until he knows the findings of the Council of Trent."