make
them move out of his way, straight up to the King's side of the state. I
thought he would pause then; but he did not. He put his hand on my Lord
Dorset's shoulder from behind, and made him give way; and then he took
his place and began to whisper to His Majesty. I saw His Majesty frown
once or twice, as if he were displeased, and then glance quickly up at
the faces before him, and down again, as if he looked to see if someone
were there. But I did not know that it was for me that he looked. Then
the King nodded thrice, sharply--Mr. Chiffinch whispering all the
while--and then he leaned over and whispered to the Queen. Then both of
them stood up, the King looking heavier than ever, and the Queen very
near fit to cry, and both came down front the dais together, all the
company saluting them and making way. And so they went down the gallery
together.

I was still staring after him, wondering what was the matter, when I
felt myself touched, and turned to find Mr. Chiffinch at my elbow. He
looked very serious.

"Come this way, sir," said he. "I must speak with you instantly."

I went after him, down the gallery; and he led me into the little empty
chamber where I had been talking with the priest half an hour ago. He
closed the door carefully behind him; and turned to me again.

"Mr. Mallock," he said, "I have very serious news for you."

"Yes," said I, never dreaming what the matter was.

"It touches yourself very closely," he said, searching my face with his
eyes.

"Well; what is it?" asked I--my heart beginning to beat a little.

"Mr. Mallock," he said, very gravely, "there is an order for your
arrest. If you will come back with me quietly to my lodgings we can
effect all that is necessary without scandal."

CHAPTER IV

I said never a word as we went back, first downstairs between the
Yeomen, then to the right, and so round through the little familiar
passage and up the stairs. I could hear the tramp of guards behind, and
knew that they had followed us from the Queen's lodgings and would be at
the doors after we were within. I was completely stunned, except, I
think, for a little glimmer of sense still left which told me that the
least said in any public place, the better. Mr. Chiffinch, too, I could
see very well, was as bewildered as myself--for, so far as I was
concerned, there was not yet the faintest suspicion in my mind as to
what was the matter. At least, I told myself, my conscience was cl