The _Consulta_ disappeared, and the regent herself appeared to be relieved and to welcome the disappearance of the man whose authority had overshadowed her own.

But the change, though it placed large powers of administration and of patronage in the hands of Netherlanders instead of foreigners, did not by any means introduce purer methods of government.

Many of the nobles were heavily in debt; most of them were self-seeking; offices and emoluments were eagerly sought for, and were even put up for sale.

Armenteros, Margaret's private secretary (to whom the nickname of _Argenteros_ was given), was the leading spirit in this disgraceful traffic, and enriched himself by the acceptance of bribes for the nomination to preferments.

It was an unedifying state of things; and public opinion was not long in expressing its discontent with such an exhibition of widespread venality and greed.