A number of horses and mules too were tethered to rings in the wall on the other side with grooms beside them, and ecclesiastics and secretaries were coming and going, disputing in groups, calling to one another, in the pleasant April sunshine.
On enquiry he found that the Commissioners were sitting in one of the downstair parlours; but one of Cromwell's servants at the door told him that he was not to go in there, but that Mr.More was upstairs by himself, and that if he pleased he would show him the way.
It was an old room looking on to the garden, scantily furnished, with a patch of carpet by the window and a table and chair set upon it.

More turned round from the window-seat on which he was kneeling to look out, and smiled genially as Ralph heard the servant close the door.
"Why, Mr.Torridon, are you in trouble too?
This is the detention-room whither I am sent to consider myself." He led Ralph, still holding his hand, to the window-seat, where he leaned again looking eagerly into the garden.
"There go the good boys," he said, "to and fro in the playground; and here sit I.I suppose I have nothing but the rod to look for." Ralph felt a little awkward in the presence of this gaiety; and for a minute or two leaned out beside More, staring mechanically at the figures that passed up and down.

He had expected almost to find him at his prayers, or at least thoughtfully considering himself.
More commented agreeably on the passers-by.
"Dr.Wilson was here a moment ago; but he is off now, with a man on either side.

He too is a naughty fellow like myself, and will not listen to reason.

There is the Vicar of Croydon, good man, coming out of the buttery wiping his mouth." Ralph looked down at the priest's flushed excited face; he was talking with a kind of reckless gaiety to a friend who walked beside him.
"He was sad enough just now," went on the other, "while he was still obstinate; but his master hath patted him on the head now and given him cake and wine.