“There is the Prince.”
“M. Fagel, the Prince is opposed to Condé, Turenne, Luxumbourg, and an immense army strong with success——”
As he spoke M. Fagel’s terrified servant entered—
“Mynheer,” he addressed the Grand Pensionary, “a gentleman has just ridden up from the Binnenhof … there are … news, he says, from the Army——”
M. de Witt interrupted—
“May he come up?”
“In God’s name—yes,” cried M. Fagel.
The gentleman proved to be M. Van den Bosch; he explained his visit with the national calm.
A soldier had arrived at the Binnenhof with letters from the Army, among them one from His Highness for M. de Witt, and as he, still working there, knew of his master’s intention to visit M. Fagel he had brought the letter on at once. There was also a note from M. Beverningh. He apologised for his intrusion, bowed and withdrew.
“From the Prince!” cried M. Fagel, mopping his brow.