The new King was a mean-looking fellow—stooping, hooked-nosed, and small; he gave no sign of pleasure in his people; he did not care for shows and pomp; he had ridden into London for the first time in a closed carriage because it was raining. Not the man the English would have chosen for their King.

But here was the Queen—buxom and beautiful, smiling and seeming gay, orange ribbons shining in her coiled dark hair.

William had stepped forward to greet her. For the second time she saw the tears in his eyes. He embraced her, and the people looked on.

She thought: For William’s sake, everything is worthwhile.

So amid the cheers and the music they left Whitehall stairs—Mary and William, and somewhere in the company, Elizabeth Villiers.

They had seen each other, Elizabeth and William; they had exchanged a glance, and Elizabeth was satisfied.

Mary was not thinking of Elizabeth as she went ashore. She was reunited with William. They were together until death parted them.

A great task confronted them which would draw them closer together.

She would cease to listen to refrains about ungrateful daughters; she would not concern herself with the presence of Elizabeth Villiers.

The bells were ringing out. The people were shouting: “Long live William and Mary.”

A new reign had begun.

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