CHAPTER VII
“I WILL MAINTAIN”
The new Stadtholder took his seat in the Assembly, accepted the position offered him, swore the oaths to the Republic, tactfully abstained from any speech, and merely expressed his intention of returning to Bodegraven at once.
The Hague was in a frenzy. The hero of the moment was offered a triumph, a banquet, a ball.…
He declined all, something coldly, and reminded the Deputies the Republic was in no condition for rejoicing.
He intended obviously to avoid as much as possible the demonstrations of the crowd. He refused a public entry; but he could not prevent the people from drinking his health at every street corner and sending up fireworks as soon as it was dark.
As he left the Assembly M. Fagel advanced to speak to him.
“Is Your Highness satisfied now?” he asked eagerly.
“I am pleased with the title,” answered the Prince; “see to it I have the substance—I will be no Duke of Venice, Fagel.”
The Secretary could not but remember M. de Witt’s words of that morning.… Certainly they would find no puppet ruler in William of Orange.
Already his manner had changed. As cold, as composed as before, it now showed openly that imperious haughtiness he had often had to conceal under mere reserve or enforced graciousness.