CHAPTER VIII
M. DE WITT AND HIS HIGHNESS
“Where is the Prince now?” asked Cornelius de Witt.
“At Honsholredyck, once his mother’s house. He will not return directly to the Hague for fear of my authority.”
The Grand Pensionary stood at the window of his residence in the Kneuterdyk Avenue and looked, as he spoke, out at the colourless afternoon.
“But this will bring him,” replied the Ruard grimly. He referred to the skilful measure his brother had taken. On receiving the news from Zeeland, the Grand Pensionary had forced the Assembly to pass a law forbidding individual provinces to reinstate the Stadtholdership without the sanction of the other States, and confirming M. de Montbas in his appointment as Captain General.
“Maybe. He hath discovered a stubborn disposition that makes it difficult to know what he will do. He hath sent his valet to Professor Bornius and M. de Chapuygeau, dispensing with their services.”
“This is impudence,” frowned Cornelius. “He hath no right to dismiss his tutors when he is under your guardianship.”
“He had no right to go to Zeeland,” returned John de Witt, moving from the window; “nor any right to deceive me with intent to rouse dissension in the State,—but since he had the will and the power, what avails our talk of right?”
Cornelius leant forward from his high-backed chair and stared thoughtfully into the fire.