"Please, your honour, and craving your pardon, I doubt if the visitor will take your dismissal thus easily: it is Sir William Anson, the Sheriff of London."
Sir John rose hastily from his chair, and Susan ran from the couch whereon she was seated to her uncle's side.
"Oh, uncle," she cried, as she flung her arms around his neck, "he comes, surely, on the Queen's business; the fatal hour has come. Oh God, help us!"
"Courage, dear one!" whispered Sir John in her ear. "Sir William is a friend of mine; his errand may be but one of friendly inquiry. Compose yourself; remain in the library, you may hear all that he has to say."
Then he bade Robin admit the late visitor.
A moment later the Sheriff entered the room, bowing low to both its occupants as he did so.
He was a man of stately presence, his dress of sombre colours yet of rich material.
He advanced towards Sir John with extended hand, and his handsome face was lit up with a cordial smile. Susan's heart was reassured as she marked his friendly behaviour; but Sir John's eyes were fixed upon a small gold chain of office which the Sheriff wore around his neck.
"He comes officially, on the Queen's business!" said Sir John within himself.
Sir William seated himself at the invitation of the Treasurer.