But when he got there he was refused, first at one door, then at another, till he came to the great gate of the courtyard.

It was kept by soldiers, and superintended by a pompous major-domo, glittering in an embroidered collar and a gold chain of office, and holding a white staff with a gold knob.

There was a crowd of persons at the gate endeavouring to soften this official rock.

They came up in turn like ripples, and retired as such in turn.

It cost Gerard a struggle to get near him, and when he was within four heads of the gate, he saw something that made his heart beat; there was Peter, with Margaret on his arm, soliciting humbly for entrance.
"My cousin the alderman is not at home; they say he is here." "What is that to me, old man ?" "If you will not let us pass in to him, at least take this leaf from my tablet to my cousin.