第6章

"Whatisshetous？We，weloveeachother。Come，dearone，letmekissthetearsfromyoureyes；letmedrinkthisnectar，thatitmayinspireme，andtransfiguremetoagod！Weepnomore——no，weepnot；

or，ifyouwilldoso，beitonlyintheexcessofrapture，andbecausewordandheartaretoopoortoholdallthisbliss！"

"Yes，yes，letusshoutforjoy；letusbelostinblessedness！"

exclaimedshepassionately，aswithfranticviolenceshethrewherselfonhisbosom。

Bothwerenowsilent，mutelyrestingoneachother\'sheart。

Oh，howsweetthissilence；howentrancingthisnoiseless，sacrednight！Howthetreeswithouttheremurmurandrustle，asiftheyweresingingaheavenlylullabytothelovers！howinquisitivelythepalecrescentmoonpeepsthroughthewindow，asthoughshewereseekingthetwainwhoseblessedconfidantesheis！

Buthappinessissoswift-winged，andtimefliessofast，whenloveistheircompanion！

Evennowtheymustpartagain——nowtheymustagainsayfarewell。

"Notyet，beloved，stayyet！See，thenightisstilldark；andhark，thecastleclockisjuststrikingtwo。No，gonotyet。"

"Imust，Henry，Imust；thehoursarepastinwhichIcanbehappy。"

"Oh，youcold，proudsoul！Doestheheadalreadylongagainforthecrown；andcanyouwaitnolongerforthepurpletoagaincoveryourshoulders？Come，letmekissyourshoulder；andthinknow，dear，thatmycrimsonlipsarealsoapurplerobe。

AndapurplerobeforwhichIwouldgladlygivemycrownandmylife！"criedshe，withtheutmostenthusiasm，asshefoldedhiminherarms。

"Doyouloveme，then？Doyoureallyloveme？"

"Yes，Iloveyou！"

"Canyousweartomethatyoulovenooneexceptme？"

"Icanswearit，astrueasthereisaGodaboveus，whohearsmyoath。"

"Blessyouforit，youdear，youonlyone——oh，howshallIcallyou？——youwhosenameImaynotutter！Oh，doyouknowthatitiscruelnevertonamethenameofthelovedone？Withdrawthatprohibition；grudgemenotthepainfullysweetpleasureofbeingableatleasttocallyoubyyourname！"

"No，"saidshe，withashudder；"forknowyounotthatthesleep-

walkersawakeoutoftheirdreamswhentheyarecalledbyname？Iamasomnambulist，who，withsmilingcourage，movesalongadizzyheight；callmebyname，andIshallawake，and，shuddering，plungeintotheabyssbeneath。Ah，Henry，Ihatemyname，foritispronouncedbyotherlipsthanyours。ForyouIwillnotbenamedasothermencallme。Baptizeme，myHenry；givemeanothername——anamewhichisoursecret，andwhichnooneknowsbesidesus。"

"InameyouGeraldine；andasGeraldineIwillpraiseandlaudyoubeforealltheworld。Iwill，inspiteofallthesespiesandlisteners，repeatagainandagainthatIloveyou，andnoone，notthekinghimself，shallbeabletoforbidme。"

"Hush！"saidshe，withashudder，"speaknotofhim！Oh，Iconjureyou，myHenry，becautious；thinkthatyouhavesworntomeevertothinkofthedangerthatthreatensus，andwill，withoutdoubt，dashusinpiecesifyou，byonlyasound，alook，orasmile，betraythesweetsecretthatunitesustwo。Areyoustillawarewhatyouhavesworntome？"

"Iamawareofit！ButitisanunnaturalDraconianlaw。What！evenwhenIamalonewithyou，shallIneverbeallowedtoaddressyouotherwisethanwiththatreverenceandrestrainwhichisduethequeen？Evenwhennoonecanhearus，mayI，bynosyllable，bynone，nottheslightestintimation，remindyouofourlove？"

"No，no，doitnot；forthiscastlehaseverywhereeyesandears，andeverywherearespiesandlistenersbehindthetapestry；behindthecurtains；everywherearetheyconcealedandlurking，watchingeveryfeature，everysmile，everyword，whetheritmaynotaffordgroundforsuspicion。No，no，Henry；sweartomebyourlovethatyouwillnever，unlesshereinthisroom，addressmeotherwisethanyourqueen。Sweartomethat，beyondthesewalls，youwillbetomeonlytherespectfulservantofyourqueen，andatthesametimetheproudearlandlord，ofwhomitissaidthatneverhasawomanbeenabletotouchhisheart。Sweartomethatyouwillnot，byalook，byasmile，byeventhegentlestpressureofthehand，betraywhatbeyondthisroomisacrimeforbothofus。Letthisroombethetempleofourlove；butwhenweoncepassitsthreshold，wewillnotprofanethesweetmysteriesofourhappiness，byallowingunholyeyestobeholdevenasinglerayofit。Shallitbeso，myHenry？

"Yes，itshallbeso！"saidhe，withatroubledvoice；"althoughI

mustconfessthatthisdreadfulillusionoftentorturesmealmosttodeath。Oh，Geraldine，whenImeetyouelsewhere，whenIobservetheeyesoicyandimmovable，withwhichyoumeetmylook，Ifeelasitweremyheartconvulsed；andIsaytomyself:\'Thisisnotshe，whomIlove——notthetender，passionatewoman，whominthedarknessofthenightIsometimeslockinmyarms。ThisisCatharine，thequeen，butnotmylovedone。Awomancannotsodisguiseherself；artgoesnotsofarastofalsifytheentirenature，theinnermostbeingandlifeofaperson。\'Oh，therehavebeenhours，awful，horriblehours，whenitseemedtomeasthoughallthiswereadelusion，amystification——asthoughinsomewayanevildemonassumedthequeen\'sformbynighttomockme，poorfrenziedvisionary，withahappinessthathasnoexistence，butlivesonlyinmyimagination。

Whensuchthoughtscometome，Ifeelafrenziedfury，acrushingdespair，andIcould，regardlessofmyoathandeventhedangerthatthreatensyou，rushtoyou，and，beforeallthecourtlyrabbleandthekinghimself，ask:\'Areyoureallywhatyouseem？Areyou，CatharineParr，KingHenry\'swife——nothingmore，nothingelsethanthat？Orareyou，mybeloved，thewomanwhoismineinhereverythought，hereverybreath；whohasvowedtomeeternalloveandunchangingtruth；andwhomI，inspiteofthewholeworld，andtheking，presstomyheartasmyown？\'"

"Unhappyman，ifyoueverventurethat，youdoomusbothtodeath！"

"Beitso，then！Indeathyouwillatleastbemine，andnoonewouldlongerdareseparateus，andyoureyeswouldnolongerlooksocoldandstrangelyuponme，astheyoftennowdo。Oh，Iconjureyou，gazenotuponmeatall，ifyoucannotdoitotherwisethanwiththosecold，proudlooks，thatbenumbmyheart。Turnawayyoureyes，andspeaktomewithavertedface。"

"Then，menwillsaythatIhateyou，Henry。"

"ItismoreagreeabletomeforthemtosayyouabhormethanforthemtoseethatIamwhollyindifferenttoyou；thatIamtoyounothingmorethantheEarlofSurrey，yourlordchamberlain。"

"No，no，Henry。Theyshallseethatyouaremoretomethanmerelythat。BeforethewholeassembledcourtIwillgiveyouatokenofmylove。Willyouthenbelieve，youdear，foolishenthusiast，thatI

loveyou，andthatitisnodemonthatrestshereinyourarmsandswearsthatshelovesnothingbutyou？Say，willyouthenbelieveme？"

"Iwillbelieveyou！Butno，thereisnoneedofanysign，oranyassurance。Nay，Iknowit；Ifeelindeedthesweetrealitythatcuddlestomyside，warm，andfillingmewithhappiness；anditisonlytheexcessofhappinessthatmakesmeincredulous。"

"Iwillconvinceyouthoroughly；andyoushalldoubtnomore，notevenintheintoxicationofhappiness。Listen，then。Theking，asyouknow，isabouttoholdagreattournamentandfestivalofthepoets，anditwilltakeplaceinafewdays。Now，then，atthisfeteIwillpublicly，inthepresenceofthekingandhiscourt，giveyouarosettethatIwearonmyshoulder，andinthesilverfringeofwhichyouwillfindanotefromme。Willthatsatisfyyou，myHenry？"

"Anddoyoustillquestionit，mydear？Doyouquestionit，whenyouwillmakemeproudandhappyaboveallothersofyourcourt？"

Hepressedhercloselytohisheartandkissedher。Butsuddenlyshewrithedinhisarms，andstartedupinwildalarm。

"Dayisbreaking，dayisbreaking！Seethere！aredstreakisspreadingovertheclouds。Thesuniscoming；dayiscoming，andalreadybeginstodawn。"

Heendeavoredtodetainherstill；butshetoreherselfpassionatelyaway，andagainenvelopedherheadinherveil。

"Yes，"saidhe，"dayisbreakinganditisgrowinglight！Letmethen，foramomentatleast，seeyourface。Mysoulthirstsforitastheparchedearthforthedew。Come，itislighthereatthewindow。Letmeseeyoureyes。"

Shetoreherselfvehementlyaway。"No，no，youmustbegone！Hark，itisalreadythreeo\'clock。Sooneverythingwillbeastirinthecastle。Diditnotseemasifsomepersonpassedbythedoorhere？

Haste，haste，ifyoudonotwishmetodieofdread！"Shethrewhiscloakoverhim；shedrewhishatoverhisbrow；thenoncemoreshethrewherarmsaroundhisneckandpressedonhislipsaburningkiss。"Farewell，mybeloved！farewell，HenryHoward！Whenweseeeachotheragainto-day，youaretheEarlofSurrey，andI，thequeen——notyourlovedone——notthewomanwholovesyou！Happinessispast，andsufferingawakesanew。Farewell。"

Sheherselfopenedtheglassdoor，andpushedherloverout。

"Farewell，Geraldine；good-night，mydear！Daycomes，andIagaingreetyouasmyqueen，andIshallhavetoendureagainthetortureofyourcoldlooksandyourhaughtysmiles。"

CHAPTERXIX。

LOYOLA\'SGENERAL。

Sherushedtothewindowandgazedafterhimtillhehaddisappeared，thensheutteredadeepcryofanguish，and，whollyovercomebyheragony，shesankdownonherkneesweepingandwailing，wringingherhands，andraisingthemtoGod。

Butjustbeforesohappyandjoyful，shewasnowfullofwoeandanguish；andbittersighsofcomplaintcametremblingfromherlips。

"Oh，oh，"moanedshe，withsobs；"whatterribleagoniesarethese，andhowfullofdespairtheanguishthatlaceratesmybreast！Ihavelaininhisarms；Ihavereceivedhisvowsofloveandacceptedhiskisses；andthesevowsarenotmine，andthesekisseshegavenottome。Hekissedme，andhelovesinmeonlyherwhomIhate。Helayshishandsinmineanduttersvowsoflovewhichhededicatestoher。

Hethinksandfeelsforheronly——heralone。Whataterribletorturethisis！Tobelovedunderhername；underhernametoreceivethevowsoflovethatyetbelongtomeonly——tomealone！Forhelovesme，meexclusively。Theyaremylipsthathekisses，myformthatheembraces；tomeareaddressedhiswordsandhisletters；anditisI

thatreplytothem。Helovesme，meonly，andyetheputsnofaithinme。Iamnothingtohim，naughtbutalifelessimage，likeotherwomen。Thishehastoldme；andIdidnotbecomefrenzied；andIhadthecruelenergytopassoffthetearswrungfrommebydespair，fortearsofrapture。Oh，detestable，horriblemockeryoffate——tobewhatIamnot，andnottobewhatIam！"

Andwithashrillcryofagonyshetoreherhair，andwithherfistsmoteuponherbreast，andweptandmoanedaloud。

Sheheardnaught；shesawnaught；shefeltnaughtbutherinexpressibleanddespairinganguish。

Shedidnotoncetrembleforherself；shethoughtnotatallofthis——thatshewouldbelostifshewerefoundinthisplace。

Andyetattheothersideoftheroomadoorhadopened，softlyandnoiselessly，andamanhadentered。

HeshutthedoorbehindhimandwalkeduptoLadyJane，whostilllayonthefloor。Hestoodbehindherwhilesheutteredherdespairinglamentation。Heheardeverywordofherquiveringlips；

herwholeheartpainfullyconvulsedandtornwithgrieflayunveiledbeforehim；andsheknewitnot。

Nowhebentoverher；andwithhishandhelightlytouchedhershoulder。Atthistouchshegaveaconvulsivestart，asifhitbythestrokeofasword，andhersobbingwasimmediatelysilenced。

Anawfulpauseensued。Thewomanlayonthefloormotionless，breathless，andnearher，tallandcoldasafigureofbronze，stoodtheman。

"LadyJaneDouglas，"saidhethen，sternlyandsolemnly，"standup。

Itbecomesnotyourfather\'sdaughtertobeuponherknees，whenitisnotGodtowhomshekneels。ButyouarenotkneelingtoGod，buttoanidol，whichyouyourselfhavemade，andtowhichyouhateerectedatempleinyourheart。Thisidoliscalled\'Yourownpersonalmisfortune。\'Butitiswritten，\'ThoushalthavenootherGodsbutme。\'ThereforeIsaytoyouoncemore，LadyJaneDouglas，risefromyourknees，foritisnotyourGodtowhomyoukneel。"

Andasthoughthesewordsexercisedamagneticpoweroverher，sheraisedherselfupslowlyfromthefloor，andnowstoodtherebeforeherfather，sternandcoldasastatueofmarble。

"Castfromyouthesorrowsofthisworld，whichburdenyou，andhinderyouinthesacredworkwhichGodhasimposedonyou！"

continuedEarlDouglasinhismetallic，solemnvoice。"Itiswritten，\'ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborandareheavyladen，andI

willgiveyourest，\'saithourGod。Butyou，Jane，youaretothrowdownyourtroubleatthefootofthethrone；andyourburdenwillbecomeacrownthatwillglorifyyourhead。"

Helaidhishandonherhead，butshewildlyshookitoff。

"No，"criedshe，withheavy，falteringtongue，asifconfusedinadream。"Awaywiththiscrown！Iwishnocrownuponwhichdevilshavelaidaspell。Iwishnoroyalrobethathasbeendyedcrimsonwiththebloodofmybeloved。"

"Sheisstillinthedeliriumofheranguish，"mutteredtheearl，ashecontemplatedthepale，tremblingwomanwhohadnowsunkagaintoherknees，andwasstaringstraightbeforeherwitheyesbewilderedandstretchedwideopen。Butthelooksoftheearlremainedcoldandunmoved，andnottheleastcompassionwasarousedinhimforhispoordaughter，nowpenetratedwithanguish。

"Arise，"saidhe，inahard，steellyvoice。"TheChurch，bymymouth，commandsyoutoserveherasyouhavevowedtodo；thatistosay，withgladheartandasenseofyourrelianceonGod；thatistosay，withsmilinglipsandaserene，beamingeye，asbecomesadiscipleinspiredbyfaith，andasyouhavesworntodointhehandsofourlordandmaster，IgnatiusLoyola。"

"Icannot！Icannot！"moanedshe，inalowtone。Icannotbegladatheartwhendespair，likeawildboar，isrendingmyheart；Icannotcommandmyeyetoshinewhenmyeyesaredimmedwithtearsofanguish。Oh，havepity，havecompassion！Rememberthatyouaremyfather；thatIamyourdaughter——thedaughterofawifewhomyouloved，andwhowouldfindinthegravenorestifsheknewhowyouarerackingandtorturingme。Mymother，mymother，ifthyspiritisnearme，comeandprotectme。Letthymildlooksovershadowmyhead，andbreatheabreathofthyloveintotheheartofthiscruelfather，whoisreadytosacrificehischildonthealtarofhisGod。"

"Godhascalledme，"saidtheearl，"and，likeAbraham，Itoowilllearntoobey。ButIwillnotadornmyvictimwithflowers，butwitharoyalcrown。Iwillnotplungeaknifeintoherbreast，butwillputagoldensceptreintoherhandandsay:Thouartaqueenbeforemen，butbeforeGodbethouafaithfulandobedientservant。Thouhastalltocommand。ButtheholyChurch，towhoseservicethouhastconsecratedthyself，andwhowillblesstheeifthouartfaithful，whowilldashtheeinpieceswithhercurseifthoudarestdealtreacherously，shecommandsthee。No，youarenotmydaughter，butthepriestessoftheChurch，consecratedtoherholyservice。No，Ihavenosympathywithyourtear\'sandthisanguish，forIseetheendofthesesorrows，andIknowthatthesetearswillbeasadiademofpearlsaboutyourtemples。LadyJaneDouglas，itisthesaintlyLoyolawhosendsyouhiscommandsbymymouth。Obeythem，notbecauseIamyourfather，butbecauseIamthegeneraltowhomyouhaveswornobedienceandfidelityuntoyourlife\'send。"

"Thenkillme，myfather！"saidshe，feebly。"Letthislifeend，whichisbutatorture，aprotractedmartyrdom。Punishmeformydisobediencebyplungingyourdaggerdeepintomybreast。Punishme，andgrudgemenotthereposeofthegrave。"

"Poorenthusiast！"saidthefather；"supposeyou，wewouldbefoolishenoughtosubjectyoutosolightapunishment！No，no，ifyoudare，ininsolentdisobedience，rebelagainstmycommands，yourpenanceshallbeaterribleone，andyourpunishmentwithoutend。I

willnotkillyou，buthimwhomyoulove；itwillbehisheadthatfalls；andyouwillbehismurderess。Heshalldieonthescaffoldandyou——youshallliveindisgrace。"

"Oh，horrible！"groanedJane，assheburiedherfaceinherhands。

Herfathercontinued:"Silly，short-sightedchild，whothoughtshecouldplaywiththesword，anddidnotseethatsheherselfmightfeelthestrokeofthisdouble-edgedblade！YouwantedtobetheservantoftheChurch，thatyoumighttherebybecomemistressoftheworld。Youwouldacquireglory，butthisglorymustnotsingeyourheadwithitsfieryrays。Sillychild！hewhoplayswithfirewillbeconsumed。Butwepenetratedyourthoughtsandthewishofwhichyouyourselfwereunconscious。Welookedintothedepthsofyourbeing，andwhenwefoundlovethere，wemadeuseofloveforourownpurposesandyoursalvation。Whatdoyoubewail，then，andwhydoyouweep？Havewenotallowedyoutolove？Havewenotauthorizedyoutogiveyourselfentirelyuptothislove？DoyounotcallyourselfEarlSurrey\'swife，thoughyoucannotnametomethepriestthatmarriedyou？LadyJane，obey，andweenvyyounotthehappinessofyourlove；daretorebelagainstus，anddisgraceandshameovertakeyou，andyoushallstandbeforealltheworlddisownedandscoffedat；youthestrumpet，that——"

"Stop，myfather！"criedJane，asshesprangvehementlyfromthefloor。"Desistfromyourterriblewordsifyoudonotwishmetodieofshame。Nay，Isubmit，Iobey！Youareright，Icannotdrawback。"

"Andwhywouldyoueither？Isitnotalifepleasantandfullofenjoyment？Isitnotraregoodfortunetoseeoursinstransfiguredtovirtue；tobeabletoaccountearthlyenjoymenttheserviceofHeaven？Andwhatdoyoubewailthen？Thathedoesnotloveyou？Nay，hedoesloveyou；hisvowsoflovestillechoinyourears；yourheartstilltrembleswiththefruitionofhappiness。WhatmattersitiftheEarlofSurreywithhisinwardeyesseesthewomanhefoldsinhisarmstobeanotherthanyou？Yetinrealityhelovesbutyoualone。WhetheryouareforhimnamedCatharineParrorJaneDouglas，itisallthesameifyouonlyarehislove。"

"Butadaywillcomewhenhewilldiscoverhismistake，andwhenhewillcurseme。"

"Thatdaywillnevercome。TheholyChurchwillfindawaytoavertthat，ifyoubowtoherwillandareobedienttoher。"

"Idobowtoit！"sighedJane。"Iwillobey；onlypromiseme，myfather，thatnoharmshallhappentohim；thatIshallnotbehismurderess。"

"No，youshallbecomehissavioranddeliverer。OnlyyoumustfulfilpunctuallytheworkIcommittoyou。Firstofall，then，tellmetheresultofyourmeetingto-day。Hedoesnotdoubtthatyouarethequeen？"

"No，hebelievesitsofirmlythathewouldtakethesacramentonit。Thatistosay，hebelievesitnowbecauseIhavepromisedhimtogivehimpubliclyasignbywhichhemayrecognizethatitisthequeenthatloveshim。"

"Andthissign？"inquiredherfather，withalookbeamingwithjoy。

"Ihavepromisedhimthatatthegreattournament，thequeenwillgivehimarosette，andthatinthatrosettebewillfindanotefromthequeen。"

"Ah，theideaisanadmirableone！"exclaimedLordDouglas，"andonlyawomanwhowishestoavengeherselfcouldconceiveit。So，then，thequeenwillbecomeherownaccuser，andherselfgiveintoourhandsaproofofherguilt。Theonlydifficultyinthewayistobringthequeen，withoutarousinghersuspicion，towearthisrosette，andtogiveittoSurrey。"

"ShewilldoitifIbeghertodoso，forshelovesme；andIshallsorepresentittoherthatshewilldoitasanactofkindnesstome。Catharineisgood-naturedandagreeable，andcannotrefusearequest。"

"AndIwillapprisethekingofit。Thatistosay，Ishalltakegoodcarenottodothismyself，foritisalwaysdangeroustoapproachahungrytigerinhiscageandcarryhimhisfood，becausehemightinhisvoracityveryreadilydevourourownhandtogetherwiththeprofferedmeat。"

"Buthow？"askedshewithanexpressionofalarm。"WillhecontenthimselfwithpunishingCatharinealone；willhenotalsocrushhim——

himwhomhemustlookuponasherlover？"

"Hewilldoso。Butyouyourselfshallsavehimandsethimfree。

Youshallopenhisprisonandgivehimfreedom，andhewillloveyou——you，thesaviorofhislife。"

"Father，father，itisahazardousgamethatyouareplaying；anditmayhappenthatyouwillbecometherebyyourdaughter\'smurderer。

For，listenwelltowhatItellyou；ifhisheadfalls，Idiebymyownhands；ifyoumakemehismurderess，youbecometherebymine；

andIwillcurseyouandexecrateyouinhell！WhattomeisaroyalcrownifitisstainedwithHenryHoward\'sblood？WhatcareIforrenownandhonor，ifheisnottheretoseemygreatness，andifhisbeamingeyesdonotreflectbacktomethelightofmycrown？

Protecthim，therefore；guardhislifeastheappleofyoureye，ifyouwishmetoaccepttheroyalcrownthatyouofferme，sothattheKingofEnglandmaybecomeagainavassaloftheChurch！"

"AndthatthewholeofdevoutChristendommaypraiseJaneDouglas，thepiousqueenwhohassucceededintheholyworkofbringingtherebelliousandrecreantsonoftheChurch，HenrytheEighth，backtotheHolyFatherinRome，totheonlyconsecratedlordoftheChurch，trulypenitent。On，on，mydaughter；donotdespond。Ahighaimbeckonsyou，andabrilliantfortuneawaitsyou！Ourholymother，theChurch，willblessandpraiseyou，andHenrytheEighthwilldeclareyouhisqueen。"

CHAPTERXX。

THEPRISONER。

StillallwascalmandquietinthepalaceofWhitehall。Nothingwasstirring，andnobodyhadheardhowLadyJaneDouglasleftherchamberandglideddownthecorridor。

Noonehasheardit，andnoeyeisawake，andnoneseeswhatisnowtakingplaceinthequeen\'sroom。Sheisalone——allalone。Theservantsareallasleepintheirchambers。Thequeenherselfhasboltedthedoorsoftheanteroomontheinside，andnootherdoorleadsintoherboudoirandbedroom，exceptthroughthisanteroom。

Sheisthereforeperfectlysecluded，perfectlysecure。

Speedilyandinhastesheenvelopsherselfinalongblackmantle，thehoodofwhichshedrawswelloverherheadandbrow，andwhichcompletelycoversandconcealsherform。

Andnowshepressesonaspringinsertedintheframeofapicture。

Thepicturefliesbackandshowsanopening，throughwhichapersoncanquiteconvenientlypassout。

Catharinedoesso。Thenshecarefullypushesthepicturebacktoitsplacefromtheoutside，andforalongtimewalksoninthepassagehollowedoutofthesolidwall，tillgropingalongsheatlastlaysholdagainofaknobinthewall。Shepressesonit；andnowatherfeetopensatrap-door，throughwhichafeeblelightforcesitswayandrendersvisibleasmallnarrowstaircasetheresituated。

Catharineentersanddescendsthestepswithwingedfeet。Nowatthefootofthestaircasesheagainpressesonasecretspring；andagainadooropens，throughwhichthequeenpassesintoalargehall。

"Oh，"whisperedshe，fetchingalongbreath，"thegreensummerhouseatlast。"

Shequicklytraverseditandopenedthenextdoor。

"JohnHeywood？"

"Iamhere，queen！"

"Hush，hush！gentlyaspossible，thatthewatch，whowalksupanddownjustbehindthedoor，maynothearus。Come，westillhavealongwalk——letusmakehaste。"

Againshepressedonaspringinsertedinthewall；andagainadooropens。ButbeforeCatharineboltsthisdoor，shetakesthelampburningonthetablethere，whichistolightenthedarkanddifficultpaththroughwhichtheyarenowtowendtheirway。

Nowsheboltsthedoorbehindthem；andtheyenteralong，darkcorridor，attheendofwhichisfoundstillanotherstaircase，anddownwhichtheybothgo。Numberlessstepsconductthembelow；

graduallytheairbecomesdense，thestepsmoist。Thestillnessofthegraveisaroundthem。Nosoundoflife，nottheleastnoise，isnowperceptible。

Theyareinasubterraneanpassage，whichstretchesoutinlengthbeforethemfartherthantheeyecanreach。CatharineturnstoJohnHeywood；thelamplightsupherface，whichispale，butexhibitsanexpressionfirmandresolute。

"JohnHeywood，reflectoncemore！Iasknotwhetheryouhavecourage，forIknowthat。Ionlywishtoknowwhetheryouwillemploythiscourageforyourqueen？"

"No，notforthequeen，butforthenoblewomanwhohassavedmyson。"

"Youmustthenbemyprotectorto-dayifwemeetwithdangers。ButifitbeGod\'swill，weshallencounternodangers。Letusgo。"

Theygovigorouslyforward，silentalltheway。Atlengththeycometoaplacewherethepassagegrowsbroader，andspreadsoutintoalittleopenchamber，onthesidewallsofwhichafewteatsareplaced。

"Wehavenowaccomplishedhalfofthejourney，"saidCatharine；"andherewewillrestalittle。"

Sheplacedthelamponthesmallmarbletableinthemiddleofthepassage，andsatdown，pointingtoJohnHeywoodtotakeaseatnearher。

"Iamnotthequeen，here，"saidshe；"andyouarenottheking\'sfool；butIamapoorweakwoman，andyouaremyprotector。Youmay，therefore，wellhavetherighttositbyme。"

ButJohnshookhisheadwithasmile，andsatdownatherfeet。"St。

Catharine，saviorofmyson，Ilieatthyfeet，anddevoutlyreturnthankstothee。"

"John，areyouacquaintedwiththissubterraneanpassage？"askedthequeen。

Johngaveasadsmile。"Iamacquaintedwithit，queen。"

"Ah，youknowit？Isupposeditwasasecretofthekingandqueen。"

"Thenyouwillreadilyconceivethatthefoolknowsit。FortheKingofEnglandandthefoolaretwinbrothers。Yes，queen，Iknowthispassage；andIoncewendeditinanguishandtears。"

"What！Youyourself，JohnHeywood？"

"Yes，queen。AndnowIaskyou，doyouknowthehistoryofthisundergroundpassage？Youaresilent。Now，wellforyouthatyoudonotknowit。Itisalongandbloodyhistory，andifIshouldnarratetoyouthewholeofit，thenightwouldbetooshortforit。

Whenthispassagewasbuilt，Henrywasstillyoung，andpossessedyetaheart。Atthattime，helovednotmerelyhiswives，buthisfriendsandservantsalso——speciallyCromwell，theall-powerfulminister。HethenresidedatWhitehall，andHenryintheroyalapartmentsoftheTower。ButHenrywasalwayslongingforhisfavorite；andsoCromwellonedaysurprisedhimwiththissubterraneanpassage，theconstructionofwhichhadoccupiedahundredmenawholeyear。Ah，ah，thekingwasthenverymuchmoved，andthankedhispowerfulministerforthissurprisewithtearsandhugs。TherepassedscarcelyadaythatHenrydidnotgotoCromwellthroughthispassage。SohesaweachdayhowthepalaceofWhitehallbecamemoreandmoresplendidandglorious；andwhenhereturnedtotheTower，hediscoveredthatthisresidencewasaltogetherunworthyofaking；butthathisministerlivedbyfarmoremagnificentlythantheKingofEngland。That，queen，wasthecauseofCromwell\'sfall！ThekingwantedWhitehall。TheslyCromwellnoticedit，andmadehimapresentofhisgem，thepalaceonwhoseconstructionanddecorationhehadlaboredtenyears。Henryacceptedthepresent；butnowCromwell\'sfallwasirrevocable。Thekingcouldnot，ofcourse，forgiveCromwellforhavingdaredtoofferhimapresentsovaluable，thatHenrycouldnotorwouldnotrepayit。Heremained，therefore，Cromwell\'sdebtor；andsincethistormentedandvexedhim，hesworeCromwell\'sruin。WhenHenrymovedintoWhitehall，itwasconcludedthatCromwellmustascendthescaffold。Ah，thekingissuchaneconomicalbuilder！Apalacecostshimnothingbuttheheadofasubject。WithCromwell\'sbeadbepaidforWhitehall；andWolseydiedforHamptonCourt。"

"Notonthescaffold，though，John。"

"Oh，no；Henrypreferredmerelytobreakhisheart，andnothishead。First，hehadthatwonderfulpleasure-villa，HamptonCourt，withallitstreasures，presentedhimbyWolsey；thenheremovedhimfromallhisoffices，anddeprivedhimofallhishonors。Finally，hewastogototheTowerasaprisoner；buthediedonhiswaythither。No，youareright！Wolseydidnotdieonthescaffold，hewasputtodeathmuchmoreslowlyandmorecruelly。Hewasnotkilledwiththesword，butprickedtodeathwithpins！"

"Didyounotsay，John，thatyouhadtravelledthiswayoncebefore？"

"Yes，queen，andIdidittobidfarewelltothenoblestofmen，andthetruestoffriends，ThomasMore！IbeggedandbesoughtCromwellsolongthathehadcompassiononmyanguish，andallowedmetogothroughthispassagetoThomasMore，thatImightatleastreceivetheblessingandlastkissofaffectionofthissaint。Ah，queen，speaknomoreofittome！FromthatdayIbecameafool；forIsawitwasnotworththetroubletobeanhonestman，whensuchmenasMoreareexecutedascriminals。Come，queen，letusgoon！"

"Yes，on，John！"saidshe，rising。"Butdoyouknowthenwhitherwearegoing？"

"Ah，queen，doInotthenknowyou？anddidInottellyouthatAnneAskewistobestretchedupontherackto-morrow，unlesssherecant？"

"Iseethatyouhaveunderstoodme，"saidshe，givinghimafriendlynod。"Yes，IamgoingtoAnneAskew。"

"Buthowwillyou，withoutbeingseenanddiscovered，findouthercell？"

"John，eventheunhappyhavefriends。Yes，thequeenherselfhasafew；andsochance，oritmaybeevenGod\'swill，hassoarrangedmatters，thatAnneAskewisoccupying，justatthistime，thatsmallroominwhichthesecretpassageterminates。"

"Isshealoneinthatroom？"

"Yes，allalone。Theguardstandswithoutbeforethedoor。"

"Andshouldtheyhearyou，andopenthedoor？"

"ThenwithoutdoubtIamlost，unlessGodsupportsme。"

Theywalkedoninsilence，bothtoomuchoccupiedwiththeirownthoughtstointerruptthembyconversation。

Butthislong，extendedwalkatlengthweariedCatharine。Sheleanedexhaustedagainstthewall。

"Willyoudomeafavor，queen？"askedJohnHeywood。"Permitmetocarryyou。Yourlittlefeetcanbearyounofarther；makemeyourfeet，yourmajesty！"

Sherefusedwithafriendlysmile。"No，John，thesearethepassion-

stationsofasaint；andyouknowonemustmaketheroundoftheminthesweatofhisface，andonhisknees。"

"Oh，queen，hownobleandhowcourageousyouare！"exclaimedJohnHeywood。"Youdogoodwithoutdisplay，andyoushunnodanger，ifitavailstowardtheaccomplishmentofnoblework。"

"Yet，John，"saidshe，withabewitchingsmile，"Idreaddanger；andjustonthataccountIbeggedyoutoaccompanyme。Ishudderatthelong，desolateway，atthedarknessandgrave-likestillnessofthispassage。Ah，John，Ithoughttomyself，ifIcameherealone，theshadesofAnneBoleynandCatharinewouldberousedfromtheirsleepbymewhoweartheircrown；theywouldhoveraboutme，andseizemebythehandandleadmetotheirgraves，toshowmethatthereisyetroomthereformelikewise。Yousee，then，thatIamnotatallcourageous，butacowardlyandtremblingwoman。"

"Andnevertheless，youcame，queen。"

"Ireckonedonyou，JohnHeywood。Itwasmydutytoriskthispassage，tosave，perchance，thelifeofthepoorenthusiasticgirl。

ForitshallnotbesaidthatCatharinedesertsherfriendsinmisfortune，andthatsheshrinksbackatdanger。Iambutapoor，weakwoman，John，whocannotdefendherfriendswithweapons，and，therefore，Imustresorttoothermeans。Butsee，John，herethepathforks！Ah，myGod！Iknowitonlyfromthedescriptionthatwasgivenme，butnoonesaidanythingofthistome。John，whichwaymustwenowturn？"

"Thisway，queen；andhereweareattheendofourjourney。Thatpaththereleadstothetorture-chamber，thatistosay，toasmallgratedwindow，throughwhichonecanoverlookthatroom。WhenKingHenrywasinspecialgood-humor，hewouldresortwithhisfriendtothisgratingtodiverthimselfalittlewiththetorturesofthedamnedandblasphemers。Foryouwellknow，queen，onlysuchashaveblasphemedGod，orhavenotrecognizedKingHenryasthepopeoftheirChurch，havethehonoroftherackastheirclue。Buthush！

hereweareatthedoor，andhereisthespringthatopensit。"

Catharinesetherlamponthegroundandpressedthespring。

Thedoorturnedslowlyandnoiselesslyonitshinges，andsoftly，likeshades，thetwoentered。

Theynowfoundthemselvesinasmall，circularapartment，whichseemedtohavebeenoriginallyanicheformedinthewalloftheTower，ratherthanaroom。Throughanarrowgratedopeninginthewallonlyalittleairandlightpenetratedintothisdungeon，thebald，barewallsofwhichshowedthestonesofthemasonry。Therewasnochair，notableinthewholespace；onlyyonderinthatcornerontheearththeyhadheapedupsomestraw。Onthisstrawlayapale，tendercreature；thesunken，thincheeks，transparentlywhiteasalabaster；thebrowsopureandclear；theentirecountenancesopeaceful；thebare，meagrearmsthrownbackoverthehead；thehandsfoldedovertheforehead，theheadbenttoonesideinquiet，peacefulslumber；thedelicate，tenderformwrappedinalongblackdress，gentlystretchedout，andonherlipsasmile，suchasonlythehappyknow。

ThatwasAnneAskew，thecriminal，thecondemned——AnneAskew，whowasanatheistonlyforthis，becauseshedidnotbelieveintheking\'svastelevationandgodlikeness，andwouldnotsubjectherownfreesoultothatoftheking。

"Shesleeps，"whisperedCatharine，deeplymored，Whollyinvoluntarilyshefoldedherhandsasshesteppedtothecouchofthesufferer，andalowprayertrembledonherlips。

"Sosleepthegust！"saidHeywood。"Angelscomfortthemintheirslumbers；andthebreathofGodrefreshesthem。Poorgirl；howsoon，andtheywillwrenchthesenoble，fairlimbs，andtorturetheeforthehonorofGod，andopentotonesofdistressthatmouthwhichnowsmilessopeacefully！"

"No，no，"saidthequeen，hastily。"Ihavecometosaveher，andGodwillassistmetodoit。Icannotspareherslumbersanylonger。I

mustwakeher。"

Shebentdownandpressedakissontheyounggirl\'sforehead。

"Anne，awake；Iamhere！Iwillsaveyouandsetyoufree。Anne，Anne，awake！"

Sheslowlyraisedherlarge，brillianteyes，andnoddedasalutationtoCatharine。

"CatharineParr！"saidshe，withasmile。"Iexpectedonlyaletterfromyou；andhaveyoucomeyourself？"

"Theguardshavebeendismissed，andtheturnkeyschanged，Anne；forourcorrespondencehadbeendiscovered。"

"Ah，youwillwritetomenomoreinfuture！Andyetyourlettersweremyonlycomfort，"sighedAnneAskew。"Butthatalsoiswell；

andperhapsitwillonlymakethepaththatIhavetotreadstilleasier。Theheartmaymoveitspinionsfreelyandeasily，andreturntoGod。"

"Hearme，Anne，hear，"saidCatharineinalowandhurriedvoice。"A

terribledangerthreatensyou！Thekinghasgivenorderstomoveyou，bymeansoftherack，torecant。"

"Well，andwhatmore？"askedAnne，withsmilingface。

"Unfortunate，youknownotwhatyouaresaying！Youknownotwhatfearfulagoniesawaityou！Youknownotthepowerofpains，whichareperhapsstillmightierthanthespirit，andmayovercomeit。"

"AndifIdidknowthemnow，whatwoulditavailme？"askedAnneAskew。"Yousaytheywillputmetotherack。Well，then，Ishallhavetobearit，forIhavenopowertochangetheirwill。"

"Yet，Anne，yetyouhavethepower！Retractwhatyouhavesaid，Anne！Declarethatyourepent，andthatyouperceivethatyouhavebeendeluded！SaythatyouwillrecognizethekingaslordoftheChurch；thatyouwillsweartothesixarticles，andneverbelieveinthePopeofRome。Ah，Anne，Godseesyourheartandknowsyourthoughts。Youhavenoneedtomakethemknownbyyourlips。Hehasgivenyoulife，andyouhavenorighttothrowitaway；youmustseektokeepitsolongasyoucan。Recant，then！Itisperfectlyallowabletodeceivethosewhowouldmurderus。Recant，then，Anne，recant！Whentheyintheirhaughtyarrogancedemandofyoutosaywhattheysay，considerthemaslunatics，towhomyoumakeapparentconcessionsonlytokeepthemfromraving。OfwhatconsequenceisitwhetheryoudoordonotsaythatthekingistheheadoftheChurch？FromHisheavensabove，GodlooksdownandsmilesatthispettyearthlystrifewhichconcernsnotHim，butmenonly。Letscholarsandtheologianswrangle；wewomenhavenothingtodowithit。IfweonlybelieveinGod，andbearHimtoourhearts，theforminwhichwedoitisamatterofindifference。ButinthiscasethequestionisnotaboutGod，butmerelyaboutexternaldogmas。Whyshouldyoutroubleyourselfwiththese？Whathaveyoutodowiththecontroversiesofthepriests？Recant，then，poorenthusiasticchild，recant！"

WhileCatharine，inalowtoneandwithflutteringbreath，thusspoke，AnneAskewhadslowlyarisenfromhercouch，andnowstood，likealily，soslenderanddelicate，confrontingthequeen。

Hernoblecountenanceexpresseddeepindignation。Hereyesshotlightning，andacontemptuoussmilewasonherlips。

"What！Canyouthusadviseme？"saidshe。"Canyouwishmetodenymyfaith，andabjuremyGod，onlytoescapeearthlypain？Andyourtonguedoesnotrefusetoutterthis，andyourheartdoesnotshrinkwithshamewhileyoudoit？Lookatthesearms；whataretheyworththatIshouldnotsacrificethemtoGod？Seethesefeeblelimbs！AretheysopreciousthatI，likeadisgustingniggard，shouldsparethem？No，no，Godismyhighestgood——notthisfeeble，decayingbody！ForGodIsacrificeit。Ishouldrecant？Never！Faithisnotenvelopedinthisorthatgarb；itmustbenakedandopen。Somayminebe。AndifIthenamchosentobeanexampleofpurefaith，thatdeniesnot，andmakesprofession——well，then，envymenotthispreeminence。\'Manyarecalled，butfewarechosen。\'IfIamoneofthechosen，IthankGodforit，andblesstheerringmortalswhowishtomakemesuchbymeansofthetortureoftherack。Ah，believeme，Catharine，Irejoicetodie，foritissuchasad，desolate，anddesperatethingtolive。Letmedie，Catharine——die，toenterintoblessedness！"

"But，poor，pitiablechild！thisismorethandeath；itisthetortureofearththatthreatensyou。Oh，bethinkyou，Anne，thatyouareonlyafeeblewoman。Whoknowswhethertherackmaynotyetconqueryourspirit，andwhetheryou，withyourmangledlimbs，maynotbythefuryofthepainyetbebroughttothatpointthatyouwillrecantandabjureyourfaith？"

"IfIcoulddothat，"criedAnneAskew，withflashingeyes，"believeme，queen，assoonasIcametomysensesIwouldlayviolenthandsonmyself，inordertogivemyselfovertoeternaldamnation，asthepunishmentofmyrecantation！GodhasorderedthatIshallbeasignofthetruefaith。BeHiscommandfulfilled！"

"Well，then，sobeit，"saidCatharineresolutely。"Donotrecant，butsaveyourselffromyourexecutioners！I，Anne，I，willsaveyou！

Icannotbear——Icannotthinkofit——thatthisdearnobleformshouldbesacrificedtoaviledelusionofman；thattheywilltorturetothehonorofGodanoblelikenessofthesameGod！Oh，come，come，Iwillsaveyou！I，thequeen！Givemeyourhand。Followmeoutofthisdungeon。Iknowapaththatleadsoutofthisplace；

andIwillconcealyousolonginmyownapartmentsthatyoucancontinueyourflightwithoutdanger。"

"No，no，queen，youshallnotconcealherwithyou！"saidJohnHeywood。"Youhavebeengraciouslypleasedtoallowmetobeyourconfidant；envymenot，then，ashareinyournobleworkalso。NotwithyoushallAnneAskewfindrefuge，butwithme。Oh，come，Anne，followyourfriends。Itislifethatcallsyou，thatopensthedoorstoyou，anddesirestocallyoubyathousandnamestoitself！Doyounothearthem，allthosesweetandalluringvoices；doyounotseethem，allthosenobleandsmilingfaces，howtheygreetyouandbeckontoyou？AnneAskew，itisthenoblehusbandthatcallsyou！

Youknowhimnotasyet，butheiswaitingforyouthereintheworldwithout。AnneAskew，thereareyourchildren，whoarestretchingtheirtenderarmsouttoyou。Youhavenotyetbornethem；butloveholdstheminherarms，andwillbringthemtomeetyou。Itisthewifeandthemotherthattheworldyetdemandsofyou，Anne。YououghtnottoshuntheholycallingwhichGodhasgivenyou。Come，then，andfollowus——followyourqueen，whohastherighttoorderhersubject。Followthefriend，whohasswornthathewillwatchoveryouandprotectyouasafather！"

"Fatherinheaven，protectme！"exclaimedAnneAskew，fallingonherkneesandstretchingherhandsupward。"Fatherinheaven！theywouldtearawayThychild，andalienatemyheartfromThee！Theyareleadingmeintotemptationandalluringmewiththeirwords。Protectme，myFather；makemyeardeaf，thatImaynothearthem！GivemeasignthatIamThine；thatnoonehasanylongerpoweroverme，saveThoualone！Asign，thatThou，Father，callestme！"

AndasifGodhadreallyheardherprayer，aloudknockingwasnowperceivedattheouterdoor，andavoicecried:"AnneAskew，awake！

andholdyourselfready！ThehighchancellorandtheBishopofWinchestercometofetchyouaway！"

"Ah，therack！"groanedCatharine，aswithashuddersheburiedherfaceinherhands。

"Yes，therack！"saidAnne，withablissfulsmile。"Godcallsme！"

JohnHeywoodhadapproachedthequeenandimpetuouslyseizedherhand。"Youseeitisinvain，"saidhe，urgently。"Makehastethentosaveyourself！Hastentoleavethisprisonbeforethedoorthereopens。"

"No，"saidCatharine，firmlyandresolutely。"No，Istay。Sheshallnotsurpassmeincourageandgreatnessofsoul！ShewillnotdenyherGod；well，then，IalsowillbeawitnessofmyGod。Iwillnotinshamecastmyeyestothegroundbeforethisyounggirl；likeher，Iwillfranklyandopenlyprofessmyfaith；likeherIwillsay:\'GodaloneisLordofhisChurch，\'God——"

Therewasamovementwithout；akeywasheardtoturninthelock。

"Queen，Iconjureyou，"besoughtJohnHeywood，"byallthatisholytoyou，byyourlove，come，come！"

"No，no！"criedshe，vehemently。

ButnowAnneseizedherhand，andstretchingtheotherarmtowardheaven，shesaidinaloud，commandingvoice:"InthenameofGod，I

orderyoutoleaveme！"

WhileCatharinedrewbackwhollyinvoluntarily，JohnHeywoodpushedhertothesecretdoor，andurgingheroutalmostwithviolence，hedrewthedoortobehindthemboth。

Justasthesecretdoorhadclosed，theotherontheoppositesideopened。"Withwhomwereyouspeaking？"askedGardiner，peeringaroundtheroomwithasharplook。

"Withthetempter，thatwishedtoalienatemefromGod，"saidshe——

"withthetempter，whoattheapproachofyourfootstepswantedtofoolmyheartwithfear，andpersuademetorecant！"

"Youare，then，firmlyresolved？youdonotretract？"askedGardiner；andasavagejoyshoneinhispale，hardcountenance。

"No，Idonotrecant！"saidshe，withafacebeamingwithsmiles。

"Then，inthenameofGodandoftheking，Itakeyouintothetorture-chamber！"criedChancellorWriothesley，asheadvancedandlaidhisheavyhandonAnne\'sshoulder。"Youwouldnothearthevoiceoflovewarningyouandcallingyou，sowewillnowtrytoarouseyoufromyourmadnessbythevoiceofwrathanddamnation。"

Hebeckonedtotheattendantsontherack，whostoodbehindhimintheopendoor，andorderedthemtoseizeherandcarryhertothetorture-chamber。

Anne，smiling，turnedthemback。"Nay，notso！"saidshe。"TheSaviourwentonfoot，andboreHiscrosstotheplaceofexecution。

IwilltreadHispath。Showmetheway，Ifollowyou。Butletnoonedaretouchme。Iwillshowyouthatnotbyconstraint，butgladlyandfreely，Itreadthepathofsuffering，whichIshallendureforthesakeofmyGod。Rejoice，ohmysoul！——sing，mylips！forthebridegroomisnear，andthefeastisabouttobegin。"

AndinexultanttonesAnneAskewbegantosingahymn，thathadnotdiedawaywhensheenteredthetorture-chamber。

CHAPTERXXI。

PRINCESSELIZABETH。

Thekingsleeps。Lethimsleep！Heisoldandinfirm，andGodhasseverelypunishedtherestlesstyrantwithavacillating，ever-

disquieted，never-satisfiedspirit，whileHeboundhisbodyandmadethespiritprisonerofthebody；whileHemadetheambitiousking，strugglingfortheinfinite，aslavetohisownflesh。Howhighsoeverhisthoughtssoar，stillthekingremainsaclumsy，confined，powerlesschildofhumanity；howmuchsoeverhisconscienceharasseshimwithdisquietanddread，yethemustbecalmandendureit。Hecannotrunawayfromhisconscience；Godhasfetteredhimbytheflesh。Thekingissleeping！Butthequeenisnot；andJaneDouglasisnot；neitheristhePrincessElizabeth。Shehaswatchedwithheartbeatinghigh。Sheisrestless，and，pacingherroomupanddowninstrangeconfusion，waitedforthehourthatshehadappointedforthemeeting。Nowthehourhadarrived。Aglowingcrimsonoverspreadthefaceoftheyoungprincess；andherhandtrembledasshetookthelightandopenedthesecretdoortothecorridor。Shestoodstillforamoment，hesitating；then，ashamedofherirresolution，shecrossedthecorridorandascendedthesmallstaircasewhichledtothetower-chamber。Withahastymovementshepushedopenthedoorandenteredthesmallslipthatwasattheendofherjourney，andThomasSeymourwasalreadythere。

Asshesawhim，aninvoluntarytrepidationcameoverher，andforthefirsttimeshenowbecameconsciousofherhazardousstep。

AsSeymour，theardentyoungman，approachedherwithapassionatesalutation，shesteppedshylybackandpushedawayhishand。

"How！youwillnotallowmetokissyourhand？"askedhe，andshethoughtsheobservedonhisfaceaslight，scornfulsmile。"Youmakemethehappiestofmortalsbyinvitingmetothisinterview，andnowyoustandbeforemerigidandcold，andIamnotoncepermittedtoclaspyouinmyarms，Elizabeth！"

Elizabeth！Hehadcalledherbyherfirstnamewithoutherhavinggivenhimpermissiontodoso。Thatoffendedher。Inthemidstofherconfusion，thatarousedtheprideoftheprincess，andmadeherawarehowmuchshemusthaveforgottenherowndignity，whenanothercouldbesoforgetfulofit。

Shewishedtoregainit。Atthismomentshewouldhavegivenayearofherlifeifshehadnottakenthisstep——ifshehadnotinvitedtheearltothismeeting。

Shewantedtotryandregaininhiseyesherlostposition，andagaintobecometohimtheprincess。

Prideinherwasstillmightierthanlove。Shemeantherlovershouldatthesametimebowbeforeherasherfavoredservant。

Thereforeshegravelysaid:"EarlThomasSeymour，youhaveoftenbeggedusforaprivateconversation；wenowgrantittoyou。Speak，then！whatmatterofimportancehaveyoutobringbeforeus？"

Andwithanairofgravityshesteppedtoaneasy-chair，onwhichsheseatedherselfslowlyandsolemnlylikeaqueen，whogivesaudiencetohervassals。

Poor，innocentchild，thatinherunconscioustrepidationwishedtointrenchherselfbehindhergrandeur，asbehindashield，whichmightconcealhermaidenlyfearandgirlishanxiety！

ThomasSeymour，however，divinedherthoughts；andhisproudandcoldheartrevoltedagainstthischild\'sattempttodefyhim。

Hewantedtohumbleher；hewishedtocompelhertobowbeforehim，andimplorehisloveasagraciousgift。

Hethereforebowedlowtotheprincess，andrespectfullysaid:"Yourhighness，itistrueIhaveoftenbesoughtyouforanaudience；butyouhavesolongrefusedme，thatatlastIcouldnolongersummonupcouragetosolicitit；andIletmywishbesilentandmyheartdumb。Thereforeseeknotnow，whenthesepainshavebeensubdued，toexcitethemagain。Myheartshouldremaindead，mylipsmute。Youhavesowilled；andIhavesubmittedtoyourwill。Farewell，then，princess，andmayyourdaysbehappierandmoreserenethanthoseofpoorThomasSeymour！"

Hebowedlowbeforeher，andthenwentslowlytothedoor。Hehadalreadyopeneditandwasabouttostepout，whenahandwassuddenlylaidonhisshoulderanddrewhimwithvehementimpetuositybackintotheroom。

"Doyouwanttogo？"askedElizabeth，withflutteringbreathandtremblingvoice。"Youwanttoleaveme，and，floutingme，youwantnow，itmaybe，togototheDuchessofRichmond，yourmistress，andrelatetoherwithasneerthatthePrincessElizabethgrantedyouaninterview，andthatyouhavefloutedher？"

"TheDuchessofRichmondisnotmymistress，"saidtheearl，earnestly。

"No，notyourmistress；butshewillverysoonbeyourwife！"

"Shewillneverbemywife！"

"Andwhynot？"

"BecauseIdonotloveher，princess。"

AbeamofdelightpassedoverElizabeth\'spale，agitatedface。"Whydoyoucallmeprincess？"askedshe。

"Becauseyouhavecomeasaprincesstofavoryourpoorservantwithanaudience。But，ah，itwouldbegreatlyabusingyourprincelygracedidIwanttoprotractthisaudiencestillfurther。I

thereforeretire，princess。"

Andagainheapproachedthedoor。ButElizabethrushedafterhim，and，layingholdofhisarmswithbothherhands，shewildlypushedhimback。

Hereyesshotlightning；herlipstrembled；apassionatewarmthwasmanifestedinherwholebeing。Nowshewasthetruedaughterofherfather，inconsiderateandpassionateinherwrath，destroyinginherferocity。

"Youshallnotgo，"mutteredshe，withherteethfirmlyset。"Iwillnotletyougo！Iwillnotletyouconfrontmeanylongerwiththatcold，smilingface。Scoldme；castonmethebitterestreproaches，becauseIhavedaredtobraveyousolong；curseme，ifyoucan！

Anythingbutthissmilingcalmness。Itkillsme；itpiercesmyheartlikeadagger。ForyouseewellenoughthatIhavenolongerthepowertowithstandyou；youseewellenoughthatIloveyou。Yes，I

loveyoutoecstasyandtodesperation；withdesireanddread。I

loveyouasmydemonandmyangel。Iamangry，becauseyouhavesoentirelycrushedtheprideofmyheart。Icurseyou，becauseyouhavemademesoentirelyyourslave；andthenextmomentIfallonmykneesandbeseechGodtoforgivemethiscrimeagainstyou。I

loveyou，Isay——notasthosesoft，gentle-heartedwomenlove，withasmileonthelip；butwithmadnessanddesperation，withjealousyandwrath。IloveyouasmyfatherlovedAnneBoleyn，whom，inthehatredofhisloveandthecruelwrathofhisjealousy，hemadetomountthescaffold，becausehehadbeentoldthatshewasuntruetohim。Ah，hadIthepower，Iwoulddoasmyfatherdid；Iwouldmurderyou，ifyoushoulddareevertoceasetoloveme。Andnow，ThomasSeymour，nowsaywhetheryouhavethecouragetodesiretoleaveme？"

Shelookedbewitchinginthenamingmightofherpassion；shewassoyoung，soardent；andThomasSeymourwassoambitious！InhiseyesElizabethwasnotmerelythebeautiful，charmingmaiden，wholovedhim:shewasmorethanthat:shewasthedaughterofHenrytheEighth，thePrincessofEngland，perchancesomedaytheheiressofthethrone。Itistrue，herfatherhaddisinheritedher，andbyactofParliamentdeclaredherunworthyofsucceedingtothethrone。[Footnote:Burnet，vol。i，p。138]ButHenry\'svacillatingmindmightchange，andthedisownedprincessmightonedaybecomequeen。

TheearlthoughtofthisashegazedonElizabeth——ashesawherbeforehim，socharming，soyoung，andsoglowingwithpassion。Hethoughtofitashenowclaspedherinhisarms，andpressedonherlipsaburningkiss。

"No，Iwillnotgo，"whisperedhe。"Iwillnevermoredepartfromyourside，ifyoudonotwishmetogo。Iamyours！——yourslave，yourvassal；andIwillneverbeanythingelsebutthisalone。Theymaybetrayme；yourfathermaypunishmeforhightreason；yetwillIexultinmygoodfortune，forElizabethlovesme，anditwillbeforElizabeththatIdie！"

"Youshallnotdie！"criedshe，clingingfasttohim。"Youshalllive，liveatmyside，proud，great，andhappy！Youshallbemylordandmymaster；andifIameverqueen，andIfeelhereinmyheartthatImustbecomeso，thenwillThomasSeymourbeKingofEngland。"

"Thatistosay，inthequietandsecrecyofyourchamberIshouldperhapsbeso！"saidhewithasigh。"Buttherewithout，beforetheworld，Ishallstillbeeveronlyaservant；andatthebest，I

shallbecalledthefavorite。"

"Never，never，thatIsweartoyou！SaidInotthatIlovedyou？"

"Buttheloveofawomanissochangeable！WhoknowshowlongitwillbebeforeyonwilltreadunderyourfeetpoorThomasSeymour，whenoncethecrownhasadornedyourbrow。"

Shelookedathimwell-nighhorrified。"Canthisbe，then？Isitpossiblethatonecanforgetandforsakewhatheonceloved？"

"Doyouask，Elizabeth？Hasnotyourfatheralreadyhissixthwife？"

"Itistrue，"saidshe，asmournfullyshedroppedherheaduponherbreast。"ButI，"saidshe，afterapause，"Ishallnotbelikemyfatherinthat。Ishallloveyoueternally！Andthatyoumayhaveaguarantyofmyfaithfulness，Ioffermyselftoyouasyourwife。"

Astonished，helookedinquiringlyintoherexcited，glowingface！Hedidnotunderstandher。

Butshecontinued，passionately:"Yes，youshallbemylordandmyhusband！Come，mybeloved，come！Ihavenotcalledyoutotakeuponyourselfthedisgracefulroleofthesecretloverofaprincess——I

havecalledyoutobemyhusband。Iwishabondtouniteustwo，thatissoindissolublethatnoteventhewrathandwillofmyfather，butonlydeathitself，canseverit。Iwillgiveyouproofofmyloveandmydevotion；andyoushallbeforcedtoacknowledgethatItrulyloveyou。Come，mybeloved，thatImaysoonhailyouasmyhusband！"

Helookedatherasthoughpetrified。"Whitherwillyouleadme？"

"Totheprivatechapel，"saidshe，innocently。"IhavewrittenCranmertoawaitmethereatdaybreak。Letushasten，then！"

"Cranmer！Youhavewrittentothearchbishop？"criedSeymour，amazed。"How！whatsayyou？Cranmerawaitsusintheprivatechapel？"

"Withoutdoubtheiswaitingforus，asIhavewrittenhimtodoso。"

"Andwhatishetodo？Whatdoyouwantofhim？"

Shelookedathiminastonishment。"WhatdoIwantofhim？Why，thathemaymarryus！"

Theearlstaggeredbackasifstunned。"Andhaveyouwrittenhimthatalso？"

"Nay，indeed，"saidshe，withacharming，childlikesmile。"Iknowverywellthatitisdangeroustotrustsuchsecretstopaper。I

haveonlywrittenhimtocomeinhisofficialrobes，becauseIhaveanimportantsecrettoconfesstohim。"

"Oh，Godhepraised！Wearenotlost，"sighedSeymour。

"Buthow，Idonotunderstandyou？"askedshe。"Youdonotextendmeyourhand！Youdonothastentoconductmetothechapel！"

"Tellme，Iconjureyou，tellmeonlythisonething:haveyoueverspokentothearchbishopofyour——no——ofourlove？Haveyoueverbetrayedtohimsomuch，asasyllableofthatwhichstirsourhearts？"

Sheblusheddeeplybeneaththesteadygazewhichhefixedonher。

"Upbraidme，Seymour，"whisperedshe。"Butmyheartwasweakandtimorous；andasoftenasItriedtofulfiltheholyduty，andconfesseverythinghonestlyandfranklytothearchbishop，Icouldnotdoit！Theworddiedonmylips；anditwasasthoughaninvisiblepowerparalyzedmytongue。"

"So，then，Cranmerknowsnothing？"

"No，Seymour，heknowsnothingasyet。Butnowheshalllearnall；

nowwewillgobeforehimandtellhimthatweloveeachother，andconstrainhim，byourprayers，toblessourunion，andjoinourhands。"

"Impossible！"criedSeymour。"Thatcanneverbe！"

"How！Whatdoyousay？"askedsheinastonishment。

"IsaythatCranmerwillneverbesoinsane，nay，socriminal，astofulfilyourwish。Isaythatyoucanneverbemywife。"

Shelookedhimfullandsquareintheface。"Haveyounotthentoldmethatyoulovedme？"askedshe。"HaveInotsworntoyouthatI

lovedyouinreturn？Mustwethennotbemarried，inordertosanctifytheunionofourhearts？"

Seymoursankhiseyestothegroundbeforeherpureinnocentlook，andblushedforshame。Shedidnotunderstandthisblush；becausehewassilent，shedeemedhimconvinced。

"Come，"saidshe，"come；Cranmeriswaitingforus！"

Heagainraisedhiseyesandlookedatherinamazement，"Doyounotsee，then，thisisallonlyadreamthatcanneverbecomereality？

Doyounotfeelthatthispreciousfantasyofyourgreatandnobleheartwillneverberealized？How！areyouthensolittleacquaintedwithyourfatherasnottoknowthathewoulddestroyusbothifweshoulddaretosetatnaughthispaternalandhisroyalauthority？

Yourbirthwouldnotsecureyoufromhisdestroyingfury，foryouwellknowheisunyieldingandrecklessinhiswrath；andthevoiceofconsanguinitysoundsnotsoloudinhimthatitwouldnotbedrownedbythethunderofhiswrath。Poorchild，youhavelearnedthatalready！Rememberwithwhatcrueltyhehasalreadyrevengedhimselfonyouforthepretendedfaultofyourmother；howhetransferredtoyouhiswrathagainsther。RememberthatherefusedyourhandtotheDauphinofFrance，notforthesakeofyourhappiness，butbecausehesaidyouwerenotworthyofsoexaltedaposition。AnneBoleyn\'sbastardcouldneverbecomeQueenofFrance。

Andaftersuchaproofofhiscruelwrathagainstyou，willyoudarecastinhisfacethisterribleinsult？——compelhimtorecognizeasubject，aservant，ashisson？"

"Oh，thisservantis，however，thebrotherofaQueenofEngland！"

saidshe，shyly。"MyfatherlovedJaneSeymourtoowarmlynottoforgiveherbrother。"

"Ah，ah，youdonotknowyourfather！Hehasnoheartforthepast；

or，ifhehas，itisonlytotakevengeanceforaninjuryorafault，butnottorewardlove。KingHenrywouldbecapableofsentencingAnneBoleyn\'sdaughtertodeath，andofsendingtotheblockandrackCatharineHoward\'sbrothers，becausethesetwoqueensoncegrievedhimandwoundedhisheart；buthewouldnotforgivemetheleastoffenceonaccountofmybeingthebrotherofaqueenwholovedhimfaithfullyandtenderlytillherdeath。ButIspeaknotofmyself。Iamawarrior，andhavetoooftenlookeddeathinthefacetofearhimnow。Ispeakonlyofyou，Elizabeth。Youhavenorighttoperishthus。Thisnobleheadmustnotbelaidupontheblock。Itisdestinedtoweararoyalcrown。Afortunestillhigherthanloveawaitsyou——fameandpower！Imustnotdrawyouawayfromthisproudfuture。ThePrincessElizabeth，thoughabusedanddisowned，mayyetonedaymountthethroneofEngland。TheCountessSeymournever！shedisinheritsherself！Follow，then，yourhighdestiny。EarlSeymourretiresbeforeathrone。"

"Thatistosay，youdisdainedme？"askedshe，angrilystampingthefloorwithherfoot。"Thatistosay，theproudEarlSeymourholdsthebastardtoobaseforhiscoronet！Thatistosay，youlovemenot！"

"No，itmeansthatIloveyoumorethanmyself——betterandmorepurelythananyothermancanloveyou；forthisloveissogreatthatitmakesmyselfishnessandmyambitionsilent，andallowsmetothinkonlyofyouandyourfuture。"

"Ah，"sighedshe，mournfully。，"ifyoureallylovedme，youwouldnotconsider——youwouldnotseethedanger，norfeardeath。Youwouldthinkofnothing，andknownothing，savelove。"

"BecauseIthinkoflove，Ithinkofyou，"saidSeymour。"Ithinkthatyouaretomovealongovertheworld，great，powerful，andglorious，andthatIwilllendyoumyarmforthis。Ithinkofthis，thatmyqueenofthefutureneedsageneralwhowillwinvictoriesforher，andthatIwillbethatgeneral。Butwhenthisgoalisreached——whenyouarequeen——thenyouhavethepowerfromoneofyoursubjectstomakeahusband；thenitrestswithyourownwilltoelevatemetobetheproudest，thehappiest，andthemostenviableofallmen。Extendmeyourhand，then，andIwillthankandpraiseGodthatheissogracioustome；andmywholeexistencewillbespentintheefforttogiveyouthehappinessthatyouaresowellentitledtodemand。"

"Anduntilthen？"askedshe，mournfully。

"Untilthen，wewillbeconstant，andloveeachother！"criedhe，ashegentlypressedherinhisarms。Shegentlyrepelledhim。"Willyoualsobetruetometillthen？"

"Truetilldeath！"

"TheyhavetoldmethatyouwouldmarrytheDuchessofRichmond，inordertherebytoatlengthputanendtotheancienthatredbetweentheHowardsandSeymours。"

ThomasSeymourfrowned，andhiscountenancegrewdark。"Believeme，thishatredisinvincible，"saidhe；"andnomatrimonialalliancecouldwashitaway。Itisaninheritancefrommanyyearsinourfamilies；andIamfirmlyresolvednottorenouncemyinheritance。I

shalljustaslittlemarrytheDuchessofRichmond，asHenryHowardwillmysister，theCountessofShrewsbury。"

"Swearthattome！Sweartome，thatyousaythetruth，andthatthishaughtyandcoquettishduchessshallneverbeyourwife。Swearittome，byallthatissacredtoyou！"

"Iswearitbymylove！"exclaimedThomasSeymour，solemnly。

"Ishallthenatleasthaveonesorrowtheless，"sighedElizabeth。

"Ishallhavenooccasiontobejealous。Andisitnottrue，"shethensaid，"isitnottrueweshalloftenseeeachother？Wewillbothkeepthissecretofthistowerfaithfullyandsacredly；andafterdaysfullofprivationanddisappointment，wewillherekeepfestivalthenightsfullofblissfulpleasureandsweettransport。

Butwhydoyousmile，Seymour？"

"Ismile，becauseyouarepureandinnocentasanangel，"saidhe，ashereverentlykissedherhand。"Ismile，becauseyouareanexalted，godlikechild，whomoneoughttoadoreuponhisknees，andtowhomoneoughttopray，astothechastegoddessVesta！Yes，mydear，belovedchild，herewewill，asyousay，passnightsfullofblissfulpleasure；andmayIbereprobateanddamned，ifIshouldeverbecapableofbetrayingthissweet，guilelessconfidencewithwhichyoufavorme，andsullyyourangelpurity！"

"Ah，wewillbeveryhappy，Seymour！"saidshe，smiling。"Ilackonlyonething——afriend，towhomIcantellmyhappiness，towhomI

canspeakofyou。Oh，itoftenseemstomeasifthislove，whichmustalwaysbeconcealed，alwaysshutup，mustatlastburstmybreast；asifthissecretmustwithviolencebreakapassage，androarlikeatempestoverthewholeworld。Seymour，Iwantaconfidanteofmyhappinessandmylove。"

"Guardyourselfwellagainstdesiringtoseeksuchaone！"exclaimedSeymour，anxiously。"Asecretthatthreeknow，isasecretnomore；

andonedayyourconfidantewillbetrayus。"

"Notso；Iknowawomanwhowouldbeincapableofthat——awomanwholovesmewellenoughtokeepmysecretasfaithfullyasImyself；awomanwhocouldbemorethanmerelyaconfidante，whocouldbetheprotectressofourlove。Oh，believeme，ifwecouldgainhertoourside，thenourfuturewouldbeahappyandablessedone，andwemighteasilysucceedinobtainingtheking\'sconsenttoourmarriage。"