"Yes, mistress," said the priest behind her. "That is the place of execution for those who die within the Tower—those usually of royal blood. My Lady Salisbury died there, and my Lady Jane Grey, and others."
He laid his hand gently on her arm.
"You must not look so grave," he said, "you must gape more. You are a country-cousin, madam."
And she smiled in spite of herself, as she met his eyes.
"Tell me everything," she said.
They went together nearer to the church, and faced about.
"We can see better from here," he said. Then he began.
First there was the Lieutenant's lodging on the right. They must look well at that. Interviews had taken place there that had made history. (He mentioned a few names.) Then, further down on the right, beyond that corner round which they had come just now, was the famous water-gate, called "Traitors' Gate," through which passed those convicted of treason at Westminster, or, at least, those who were under grave suspicion. Such as these came, of course, by water, as prisoners on whose behalf a demonstration might perhaps be made if they came by land. So, at least, he understood was the reason of the custom.
"Her Grace herself once came that way," he said with a twinkle. "Now she sends other folks in her stead."
Then he pointed out more clearly the White Tower. It was there that the
Council sat on affairs of importance.