Mr. Bromley carried a copy of The Gazette, as he entered the room where the two gentlemen waited for His Highness.
By the feeble candlelight that but faintly dispelled the lowering shadows he saw them; one Florent Van Mander, the other a fair and handsome gentleman, young, and very elegantly attired in a grey velvet and silver riding suit.
“Ah, Mr. Bromley, have you quite forgotten me?” The newcomer rose and held out his hand.
The Englishman was genuinely pleased.
“M. Bentinck!”
“At last!—returned from exile as you see. Where is His Highness? Abroad they tell me.”
“Abroad certainly—where, I do not know.”
M. Bentinck raised his brows.
“Does no one know?”
Mr. Bromley nodded at Van Mander.