'"Will wonders ever cease?" my dear, has been the exclamation from the foundation of Babylon, and will be an exclamation when old England shall cease to have a Cardinal, and Rome a Pope; but that Thomas Wolsey should at length condescend to notice us after so many years!--surely he and his fortunes must be about to change together.' 'And if they are, Master Latimer, let me advertise thee that they may change for the better, even in the opinion of you all.' It was then that surprise overcame them all, and the question arose: 'Will Wolsey become a Reformer?' 'He is a reformer of many things; and if the King's favor and the King's disfavor be both silent, my master will be a greater man than ever.' 'Thou art a wise young man, Mr. Cavendish, and canst see the ticklish nature of these times; but those two "ifs" are like the base pillars, I fear, upon which the Colossus of Rhodes stood, which the earthquake precipitated into the sea. They cannot bear the weight of Wolsey. Favor falling, disfavor will remain, but the Cardinal cannot stand on one leg, and that a bad one. A subject's head in these days, once in disrepute, will soon roll off his shoulders. But come, my child, let us away. Time flies, and our new acquaintance must be glad to dispose of us according to his instructions. I rejoice always.' 'We are at your command, sir.' 'So then again strange trials will increase. And wonders, ever new, will never cease.' CHAPTER XXXVII THE ARRIVAL. It was in the evening of that memorable day when Wolsey had sat long in state at Westminster, and had been detained by causes which he was anxious, whilst he had the seals, to see concluded, that Cavendish conducted the prisoner, as De Freston really was, to York Place. He had sent one of his master's servants to apprise Wolsey's chamberlain, and master of ceremonies, and household servants, of the expected arrival of guests of distinction; but who they were to be, and how many, he had not revealed. He was ignorant himself; but, from his taking twelve of his master's men, with mules and sumpter mules, it, was evident he expected rather a cavalcade and procession, than merely to have to conduct an old man, his daughter, and her husband. All Wolsey's household had been upon the '_qui vive_,' and were, no doubt, as great men's servants frequently are, disappointed at no great state arrivals, when they saw so small a party approaching. They were ushered, with quiet gentleness, into the great reception-hall, where one of the strangest adventures--as unexpected as unwished-for--presented itself to view. There stood, full in her sight, as Ellen entered the Alice De Clinton, together with two female attendants near her. What a picture did these females then present to view. Had not the description been given from ocular demonstration, imagination could not have depicted the surprise.