Publisher's Synopsis
"There is one subject that we seldom touch upon," said Sir William. "And that is one upon which I am curious to hear you speak." John de Witt looked up quickly. "Ah, sir," he smiled faintly. "You are of a probing disposition-what is this subject?" "The Prince." "The Prince-" repeated M. de Witt, and an intent expression that might have been trouble came into his full brown eyes. "What is there to say of His Highness?" he added. The English Ambassador laughed in the soft and pleasant way he had; he was standing by the long window, and, as he answered, glanced out at the wych elms and pale sunshine that filled the garden of M. de Witt. "The situation is piquant-between good friends you must allow it-" The Grand Pensionary rose. "Between good friends, Sir William, the situation is dangerous. I am aware of it-but the Prince-the Prince is only a child." Sir William moved from the window with a little shiver. "Your Dutch weather!" he said. "I think the damp has got into my very bones-" "But you like the house?" asked de Witt. "It hath a large garden for the children when they stay with me-and since it was not possible to remain where I was, I thought I could do no better."
