The Englishman’s voice came faintly from the pillow—

“No matter for me—but it has been a disastrous day.”

The Prince held back the curtain.

“It was no quarrel of yours, my poor fellow,” he answered.

Matthew Bromley smiled; his careless face had changed into a look of bewildered grieving.

“You had better have gone home,” said William gently.

“It was against … the French.”

He closed his eyes and made an effort with his strength—

“I am sorry we were beaten.”