“Where is Van Hoogendorp?” said one; and then another cried, “Where is Van Hoogendorp?”
“Here am I,” said I; and the same moment two officers, covered with gold lace, came through the crowd, and took me by the arms.
“Come along with us, Monsieur de Hoogendorp,” said they, in French; “there is not a moment to lose; we have been looking for you every where.”
Now, though I understand that tongue, I cannot speak it myself, so I only said “Ja, Ja,” and followed them.
They led me up an oak stair, and through three or four large rooms, crowded with officers in fine uniforms, who all bowed as I passed, and some one went before us, calling out in a loud voice, “Monsieur de Hoogendorp!”
“This is too much honour,” said I, “far too much;” but as I spoke in Dutch, no one minded me. Suddenly, however, the wide folding-doors were flung open, and we were ushered into a large hall, where, although above a hundred people were assembled, you might have heard a pin drop; the few who spoke at all, did so, only in whispers.
“Monsieur de Hoogendorp!” shouted the man again.
“For shame,” said I; “don’t disturb the company;” and I thought some of them laughed, but he only bawled the louder, “Monsieur de Hoogendorp!”
“Let him approach,” said a quick, sharp voice, from the fireplace.
“Ah!” thought I, “they are going to read me an address. I trust it may be in Dutch.”