Certainly Joost van Keppel had an appearance well calculated to win the hearts of those who looked upon him, for a mingled sweetness and ardour made a kind of radiance in his face, as if he gave forth the light of hope and courage. He was tall and robust, of a bright fairness, with dark brown eyes of an extraordinary power and gentleness, a smiling, strong mouth, and a fine carriage of nobility in his port; his rich-coloured brown hair hung in full curls over his gay and vivid uniform; there was a great quantity of gold on his sword belt and in his shoulder knots; in the firelight he glittered from head to foot with a changing light of gold; but despite his youthful strength and the magnificence of his appointments the prevailing impression of his person was that of a gentle, soft, and winning sweetness that sat very graciously on the unconscious demeanour of a noble soldier. "Were you not a page to us?" asked the King. "Yes, Your Majesty. I was with those who had the honour to come to England with Your Majesty," answered M. van Keppel. "Your Majesty showed me great kindness in promoting me." He had a gentle and charming address, an eager air of deference wholly pleasing. "I had forgotten," said the King. "So you have come from Flanders?" He gave a little sigh. "Oh, sire!" cried Joost van Keppel, "I am come to tell Your Majesty that we need you!" The King sat up and looked at Portland and the Englishmen. "Ah!" he said, in an angry, broken voice. "What device is this you put upon me? No use, my lords, no use; this back will bear no more burdens." "Absolve me," cried Portland. "I know nothing of this——" "A trick," continued the King—"a trick to spur me. What are you, Mynheer, to come and tell me of my duty?" M. van Keppel threw himself again on his knees. "The King is needed," he repeated, with great passion. "I love Your Majesty enough to dare tell you so. Sire, the Republic crieth out to Your Majesty!" "Who told you to speak thus?" asked William bitterly. "M. Heinsius," answered the young soldier instantly. At that name the King changed countenance. "M. Heinsius," he muttered; then he fixed M. van Keppel with a keen look and added—"Why did he choose you?" "Because Your Majesty used to have some kindness for me," was the reply, given with a frank modesty; "because no man living could revere Your Majesty more than I do." "I am not used to be so courted," said William sternly. "You have too ready a tongue. M. Heinsius may find another messenger." He rose and would have turned away, but the young man, still on his knees, caught the King’s stiff silk coat skirts. "Will the Prince of Orange ever refuse to listen to the appeal of the United Provinces?" he asked, with singular sweetness and force. William looked down at him, hesitated, then said faintly— "Rise, Mynheer. I am not your King. As for the Republic"—he sank into the great wand-bottomed chair again and said abruptly—"how think they the campaign will go?"