From this closet, on the second floor, a privy stairs led down to a door which opened on a small covered porch at the head of a flight of stone steps falling to the king's private barge landing at the water's edge.

When I noticed the narrow stairway, I had no thought of the part it would one day play in the fortunes and misfortunes of Frances, Hamilton, and myself.
On the king's command, I sat down near him, and he asked:-- "What can I do for you, baron?
I do not remember your having ever solicited a favor of me, and I shall be delighted to grant what you ask, if I can." "I seek no favor, your Majesty," I returned.

"I simply want to tell you that my cousin, Mistress Jennings, has just informed me of her intention to leave Whitehall, and I wonder--" "No, no," cried the king, interrupting me.

"She shall not go! Why is she discontented here ?" "I am not sure that I can tell your Majesty," I answered evasively.

"I am loath to see her go, and, knowing well your kindliness, hoped you would be willing to urge her to remain." "Gladly," replied the king.