The ball was in honour of the wedding of one of M. de Witt’s cousins; William’s invitation had been a command.
Florent looked at the Englishman keenly.
“You are very devoted to His Highness, are you not?” he asked curiously.
“I am,” said Matthew Bromley simply.
“But you were in M. de Witt’s employ——”
“Only before I knew the Prince.”
“That is what I mean,”—Florent spoke quickly,—“before you knew the Prince. He cannot do for you what M. de Witt could, indeed he can do nothing at all; why are you devoted to him?”
Mr. Bromley’s fair face took on a puzzled expression, he reflected, hesitated.
“I do not know,” he said at last.
Florent drew a deep breath.