“M. Van Odyk sometimes exceeds his duty,” remarked the Prince calmly. “And nothing any one can write or say will cause me to alter my intentions. I wish you would put that candle down, Bromley, it is flickering horribly.”
Mr. Bromley obeyed.
“It is caused by the open windows, Highness,” he answered. “No candle will burn straight in this draught.”
“Close them,” said the Prince petulantly.
Mr. Bromley again obeyed, forbearing to comment on the fact that the room was chilled with the night air, for he knew that the Prince could not sleep, or indeed hardly breathe, with the windows shut.
William leant back against the head of the bed; his lawn shirt, the sheets, pillows, and his face were turned to the same ivory hue in the candlelight.
“Why were you not abed, Bromley?” he asked.
“I was writing to the Princess, Highness.”
“Did you say Prince John Maurice had stayed at Bergen-op-Zoom?”