Then he re-entered followed by a cloaked man, saying-- "Here is a visitor whom I dare not deny," whereon they all rose, thinking in their folly that it was the King himself, and not one almost as mighty in England for a while--the Lord Cromwell.
"Pardon me," said Cromwell, bowing in his courteous manner, "and if you will, let me be seated with you, and give me a bite and a sup, for I need them, who have been hard-worked to-day." So he sat down among them, and ate and drank, talking pleasantly of many things, and telling them that the King had changed his mind at the Council, as he thought, because of the words of Thomas Bolle, which he believed had stuck there, and would not go north to fight the rebels after all, but would send the Duke of Norfolk and other lords.

Then when he had done he pushed away his cup and platter, looked at his hosts and said-- "Now to business.

My Lady Harflete, fortune has been your friend this day, for all you asked has been granted to you, which, as his Grace's temper has been of late, is a wondrous thing.

Moreover, I thank you that you did not answer a certain question as to myself which I learn he put to you urgently." "My Lord," said Cicely, "you have befriended me.

Still, had he pressed me further, God knows.