g well adapted for the discussion of such matters as it seemed
inexpedient to let reach the ears of those whose business called them
not within the council chamber.

A snow storm made the night exceeding chilly, so three of those who
came to partake of the hospitality of the Pensioner had provided
themselves with ample cloaks, which, closely wrapped about their
persons, and covering the lower portions of their faces, precluded
recognition, were any, by chance, to accost the wearer on the King's
highway. Although few were abroad on account of the extreme cold, and
those few would not have marveled that a gentleman should be closely
muffled even as a secret assassin, or highwayman, or noticed that the
three went not together to the outer door of the house, still each
came separately, knocking thrice upon the panel, whereupon Sir Percy
himself opened to him, that he might enter quickly.

Being safe within, and the room warmed by great logs which sputtered
in the open fireplace, the three laid aside their cloaks, and sat
uncovered in the presence of their host, who, the better to discourse
with each, occupied a place at the head of the long table about which
were wont to sit the commissioners of the King.

That the little gathering was not composed of churchmen, or learned
doctors of the day, might have been easily guessed by their
youthfulness and dress. Scarce past five and thirty, with clear cut
features, well knit frames, dignity of carriage, apparel of the higher
class, and the court rapier then in vogue, hanging at the side of
each, designated them as gentlemen.

Having drained with nervous haste a goblet of wine which stood before
him, he who was the Pensioner turned with a frowning brow to his
companions:

"Gentlemen!" said he, half rising from his seat, "shall we always talk
and never do anything?"

This appeal uttered in an impatient voice moved each of his guests in
a manner strikingly dissimilar. One on the right sitting with back to
the door, turned uneasily as though fearing that the portal stood
open, and that, on the threshold, might appear a stranger, or
perchance the King's officer. Another, clad in a suit of gray velvet,
drummed nervously upon the table, while the third, who seemed to be
the eldest of the four, frowned darkly. To him the host turned
impatiently.

"Ah!" cried he, "my words have struck you illy, my Lord Catesby, that
you frown so ominously!"

"Nay, Percy!" replied the other, the