But by the time we came to London it was long ago broad day--by three or four hours at the least; and all the folks were abroad in the streets.
I went straight to Mr.Chiffinch's lodgings, sending my man to the lodging in Covent Garden, to bestow the horses and to come again to the guard-house to await my orders.

Mr.Chiffinch was not within, for he had not expected me so early, a servant told me; but he had looked for my coming about eleven or twelve o'clock, and had given orders that I was to be taken to a closet to change my clothes if I needed it.

This I did; and then was set down to break my fast; and while I was at it, Mr.
Chiffinch himself came in.
He told me that I had done very well to come so swiftly; but he smiled a little as he said it.
"His Majesty is closeted with one or two more until ten o'clock.

I will send to let him know you are come." I did not ask him for what business I had been sent for; since he did not choose to tell me himself; and he went out again.

But he was presently back once more; and told me that His Majesty would see me at once.
My mind was all perturbed as I went with him in the rain across the passages: I felt as if some great evil threatened, but I could make no conjecture as to what it was about; or how it could be anything that was at once so sudden and that demanded my presence.