The next morning, after breakfast, he asked his host if he was unwell, for he looked worn and anxious.
"I am well in body, but disturbed in mind," he said.

"Six months ago I stood well with my fellow citizens, and few were more popular in Dort than myself.

Now, save among the better class, men look askance at me.

Subtle whispers have gone abroad that I am in correspondence with France; that I am a traitor to Holland; that I correspond with the Spanish at Antwerp.

In vain have I tried to force an open accusation, in order that I might disperse it.