“M. Fagel vexed me,” continued the Prince. “I had no fault to find with you.”
Mr. Bromley coloured and stood in a foolish confusion.
William offered his hand with the graceful courtesy he knew so well how to use.
Mr. Bromley flushed more deeply with gratification and pleasure.
“It was nothing—Your Highness,” he protested, and the Prince had secured a lifelong devotion.
It did not occur to Mr. Bromley to call his master’s graciousness policy, the obvious sincerity of William’s rare advances was what gave them their value.
He was above any arts, making no efforts to gain supporters. There were already men who would have died for his praise and performed heroic feats to avoid his blame.
He smiled at Mr. Bromley and caught M. Bentinck by the arm.
“Highness, I return in the midst of great events.”