Van Ouvenaller rubbed his chin.
“These are troublesome times,” he remarked gloomily.
Florent left the room and the Binnenhof.
The Hague was already alive with excitement; the streets seethed with unrest. The daring of the Prince’s exploit made it almost unbelievable; this and that rumour were spread and contradicted. The burgher companies were out, and by the time Florent had reached the Plaats it was announced that M. de Montbas was in council with the States, and that a message had been sent to Hellevoetsluis, where De Ruyter lay with the Fleet. These messages, intended to quiet the people’s fears of a coup d’état on the part of the Prince, were received with derision. There were more orange favours worn than white ones, and more satisfaction than anger expressed at the success of the Prince’s enterprise.
In the Kneuterdyk Avenue, close to M. de Witt’s house, Florent met St. Croix.
They exchanged hasty greeting in the crowd.
“You have heard the news?” the Frenchman smiled.
“You received the returned packet?” retorted Florent.
“Yes; the Prince is prudent to refuse to enter into negotiations that are bound to be detected.”
Such was not Florent’s reading of the action.