“And his ambition, that was only useful, knew how to wear, as well as how to deserve them.”—William Fleetwood, Bishop of St. Asaph, Sermon.
CHAPTER I
THE RETURN OF FLORENT VAN MANDER
Mr. Bromley was watering his flowers and feeding his pigeons, and singing to himself a snatch of an English song, as he moved to and fro in the pale spring sunshine that filled his little room in the Palace.
Being disturbed by the entry of a servant, he turned his watering-can in his hand and ceased his singing.
“Pardon, Mynheer, it is M. Bentinck’s secretary who hath arrived at the Palace, and, His Highness being abroad, he wishes to see you.”
Matthew Bromley reflected.
“M. Bentinck’s secretary, by name Florent Van Mander, is it not so?”