"A keen wind blows up the river," said the Queen, with a little shudder. "I saw the gulls to-day at Whitehall; that means a stormy winter."
"But so far it hath been sweet as spring," said Rupert, "and there are so many flowerets out, that you might think it Eastertide."
They returned to the palace, and the King had sent for Lord Falkland and was proceeding to his cabinet, when he was met by Lord Winchester, one of the most influential and ardent of his courtiers, a magnificent and wealthy Cavalier, a Romanist, and one greatly beloved by King and Queen.
"Sire," said this gentleman in a low, hurried voice. "I have just come from Westminster where there are some most horrid rumours abroad. I must acquaint you with——"
Charles looked at him in a startled and bewildered fashion.
"More ill news?" he murmured.
"Nay," said the Marquess, "it is but one of many rumours such as now for ever beat the air—but I have sounded several on the likely truth of this report, and do believe it to be more than an idle alarm."
The King took his friend's arm and drew him into his cabinet where the wax-lights had already been lit and the fire sparkled between the gleaming brass andirons.
"Dear lord, be concise and brief," he said affectionately. "I have summoned Lord Falkland, and he," added Charles with his usual imprudence, "is not in my confidence. I have taken him because I must. Now, thy news."
The Marquess, who was as magnificent in appearance as he was in temperament, being in all things the great noble, the patron of the arts, the refined proud gentleman, the type of all that Charles most admired, began to pace the room as if in some perturbation of mind.