I haunted Whitehall after work hours in the hope of seeing or hearing something of them.

But all in vain.

It would have been easier to hear of Ludar, I think, than to get any news of an Irish maiden and her step-dame at Court, or of a swaggering captain.
"What is that to thee ?" said most whom I asked; and others pricked me out of their company with their swords.
But late in the year, chance put in my way what all my pains had failed to procure.
I remember, it was that same day that the news came to town that Mary Queen of Scots was condemned to die.

London went mad with joy at the news.

For our pity of the woman was swallowed up in joy that the evil destiny of our country was mastered, and that our gracious Queen was to be freed at one stroke from all her enemies.