[662] The meeting broke up; and what the Prince had said was in a few hours known all over London.

That he must be King was now clear.

The only question was whether he should hold the regal dignity alone or conjointly with the Princess.

Halifax and a few other politicians, who saw in a strong light the danger of dividing the supreme executive authority, thought it desirable that, during William's life, Mary should be only Queen Consort and a subject.

But this arrangement, though much might doubtless be said for it in argument, shocked the general feeling even of those Englishmen who were most attached to the Prince.