"Where did His Majesty go?"
The soldier humbly pointed out the way, and my lord turned on his heel and went rapidly across the dark, snowy courtyard. He had reached the farther court, untouched by Sir Christopher and still of the fashion of the great cardinal and Harry Tudor, before he saw the King ahead of him, a solitary figure in the grey afternoon.
My lord was instantly beside him.
"Sire, I must speak with you, and at once."
William looked round calmly.
"Come to the river—I had a mind to see the river."
Sunderland, standing uncovered, answered with energy and decision—
"Sire, if you have no regard for your own health, consider mine. This weather is death."
William took his arm.
"No, Robert, 'tis the fireside that is death to me—to sit and doze like a sick woman in shawls; but come into the great Hall, where we may be undisturbed. Dr. Burnet is in my apartments with a packet of sermons." He paused to cough, and then added: "As for your news—you are going to offer me your resignation."