, a young man, simply clad in
a violet-coloured velvet, embroidered with silver; who, with a certain
aristocratic slowness, ascended the white stone steps of the house.

In his wake followed two officers, one of the navy, and the other of the
cavalry.

Van Systens, having found his way through the frightened domestics,
began to bow, almost to prostrate himself before his visitor, who had
been the cause of all this stir.

"Monseigneur," he called out, "Monseigneur! What distinguished honour is
your Highness bestowing for ever on my humble house by your visit?"

"Dear Mynheer van Systens," said William of Orange, with a serenity
which, with him, took the place of a smile, "I am a true Hollander, I
am fond of the water, of beer, and of flowers, sometimes even of that
cheese the flavour of which seems so grateful to the French; the flower
which I prefer to all others is, of course, the tulip. I heard at Leyden
that the city of Haarlem at last possessed the black tulip; and, after
having satisfied myself of the truth of news which seemed so incredible,
I have come to know all about it from the President of the Horticultural
Society."

"Oh, Monseigneur, Monseigneur!" said Van Systens, "what glory to the
society if its endeavours are pleasing to your Highness!"

"Have you got the flower here?" said the Prince, who, very likely,
already regretted having made such a long speech.

"I am sorry to say we have not."

"And where is it?"

"With its owner."

"Who is he?"

"An honest tulip-grower of Dort."

"His name?"

"Boxtel."

"His quarters?"

"At the White Swan; I shall send for him, and if in the meanwhile your
Highness will do me the honour of stepping into my drawing-room, he will
be sure--knowing that your Highness is here--to lose no time in bringing
his tulip."

"Very well, send for him."

"Yes, your Highness, but----"

"What is it?"

"Oh, nothing of any consequence, Monseigneur."

"Everything is of consequence, Mynheer van Systens."

"Well, then, Monseigneur, if it must be said, a little difficulty has
presented itself."

"What difficulty?"

"This tulip has already been claimed by usurpers. It's true that it is
worth a hundred thousand guilders."

"Indeed!"

"Yes, Monseigneur, by usurpers, by forgers."

"This is a crime, Mynheer van Systens."

"So it is, your Highness."

"And have you any proofs of their guilt?"

"No, Monseigneur, the guilty woman----"

"The guilty woman, Sir?"