But the desire for privacy thus bred in me was not to find satisfaction.

Darrell, whom I had not met all day, now pounced on me and carried me off, declaring that he was charged to present me to the Duke of York.

Trembling between fear and exultation, I walked with him across the floor, threading my way through the dazzling throng that covered the space in front of His Majesty's dais.

But before we came to the Duke, a gentleman caught my companion by the arm and asked him how he did in a hearty, cheerful, and rather loud voice.
Darrell's answer was to pull me forward and present me, saying that Sir Thomas Clifford desired my acquaintance, and adding much that erred through kindness of my parts and disposition.
"Nay, if he's your friend, it's enough for me, Darrell," answered Clifford, and putting his mouth to Darrell's ear he whispered.

Darrell shook his head, and I thought that the Treasurer seemed disappointed.
However, he bade me farewell with cordiality.
"What did he ask you ?" said I, when we started on our way again.
"Only whether you shared my superstition," answered Darrell with a laugh.
"They're all mighty anxious about my religion," thought I."It would do no harm if they bestowed more attention on their own." Suddenly turning a corner, we came on a group in a recess hung on three sides with curtains and furnished with low couches in the manner of an Oriental divan.