Page:Max Havelaar; or, the Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company (IA dli.granth.77827).pdf/129

 his wish to return that same day to Serang, “becausehe”

Havelaar said he was likewise disposed to make all possible speed.

“hadstillsomuchtodo.”

So it was arranged that we should all meet in half-an-hour, in the Regent’s large front portico. Verbrugge, who was prepared for this, had many days ago summoned to the capital the heads of the districts, the Patteh, the Kliwon, the Djaksa, the tax-gatherer, some ‘mantries’—in a word, all the native officials who had to assist at the ceremony.

The Adhipatti took his leave and drove home. Madam Havelaar inspected her new house, and was much pleased with it, above all things because the garden was so large: which she liked so on account of Max, who required to be much in the open air. The Resident and Havelaar had retired to dress; for at the solemnity which had to take place, the official costume was indispensable. Hundreds of people were assembled around the house, who had either followed the Resident’s carriage on horseback, or who had belonged to the retinue of the assembled chiefs. The police and other officials were running to and fro with much bustle; in short, all indicated that the monotony of that secluded spot was now broken.