THE BATH ROAD 



39 



with a private audience ; but they were informed that he 

 had resolv'cd to hear them and answer them in pubHc. 

 They were ushered into his bed-chamber where they 

 found him surrounded by a crowd of noblemen and 

 gentlemen. Halifax, whose rank, age, and abilities 

 entitled him to precedence, was spokesman. Halifax 

 having explained the basis on which he and his 

 colleagues were prepared to treat, put into William's 

 hand a letter from the King and retired. William 

 opened the letter and seemed unusually moved. 



Great Chatfield Manor, near Bath. 



It was the first letter which he had received from his 

 father-in-law since they had become avowed enemies. 

 He requested the Lords and Gentlemen whom he had 

 convoked on this occasion to consult together unrestrained 

 by his presence as to the answer which ought to be 

 returned. To himself however he reserved the power ol 

 deciding in the last resort after hearing their opinion. 

 He then left them and retired to Littlecote Hall, a manor 

 house, situated about two miles off, and renowned down 

 to our own times not more on account of its venerable 

 architecture and furniture than on account of a horrible 



