"It is well," answered the Prince, approaching the table. "Mr. Herbert, you shall have your answer very soon. I shall to-night consult with M. Fagel and M. Dyckfelt, who, as you know, were aware of these affairs from the first inception of them; to-morrow I will advise with you again. Meanwhile I will ask you to take your entertainment at my house." He paused to draw breath, as he always did after any save those very brief sentences he usually employed. The asthma he had had for years was obvious in these painful gasping breaths and constant coughs. "You have done me a great service," he continued. "I am very much obliged to you; you are a man of spirit." Admiral Herbert rose. "I am greatly indebted to the generosity of Your Highness; but there are spies at The Hague, and it might give a colour to reports already too persistent were I discovered to be lodging with Your Highness. Among the fugitives from England in the town I am easily hid." Again William gave his faint, instantly checked smile. "I am glad that you are not forgetful of prudence, Mr. Herbert. We cannot be too careful." Mr. Herbert hesitated, eyed the Prince, then said, with more boldness than he felt— "I must tell Your Highness that there is one matter, too delicate to commit to writing, that hath been in debate among your friends in London——" "Ah?" questioned the Prince. "—’tis the attitude of the Princess, sir." William seemed to slightly stiffen and straighten. "What should her attitude be but the same as mine?" he asked. Mr. Herbert coloured. "Forgive me, sir, she is King James his daughter——" The Prince interrupted— "Also my wife," he said quietly, but with extraordinary force and, it seemed, pride. "You shall hear the lady for yourself, sir." He touched a heavy bell on the table and a servant instantly appeared. "Request the presence of Her Highness," he said, then spoke again to Herbert when the man had gone. "It is only just that in this great issue in which she is so intimately concerned that you should hear her mind from her own lips." "No one doubteth the loyalty of the Lady Mary to yourself, sir," answered Mr. Herbert, lying cheerfully, for he had been one of the most cynical in discussing this same loyalty in London. William coughed again, and seated himself by the table with his Frisian lace handkerchief pressed to his lips. Mr. Herbert was suddenly impressed by the fact that he looked not only ill but in pain. A little pause of silence, and the Princess entered. She had changed her gown, and wore a dress of the same stiff pattern in white brocade, with tinsel and a ribbon of pearls in her hair. William rose and gave her one look as she closed the door, then lowered his eyes as he spoke. "Madame, Mr. Herbert cometh from England with an invitation to me from my friends there to go there with a force to protect the laws and the religion——"