“Good even, Mynheer.”
The Grand Pensionary regarded him with a touch of wistfulness and hesitated a moment; but William stood motionless, obviously waiting for him to leave, and John de Witt turned away.
Again it was the manner of a sovereign with the subject; the Prince seated himself before the Grand Pensionary had closed the door.
The smile still lingered on his lips, he took a letter from the pocket of his coat and slowly unfolded it.
It was from Fagel.
William re-read the last sentences—
“Your Highness’ affair goes well in the Assembly. M. de Witt hath but little influence now. In a few days you will be Captain General, since both General Wurtz and Prince Charles have promised to refuse should the office be offered to them, and since the clamour of the people is no longer to be withstood.…”