第7章

"Andwhoisthiswoman？"

"Itisthequeen。"

"Thequeen！"criedThomasSeymour，withsuchanexpressionofhorrorthatElizabethtrembled；"thequeenyourconfidante？Butthatisimpossible！Thatwouldbeplungingusbothinevitablyintoruin。

Unhappychild，beverycarefulnottomentionevenasingleword，asyllableofyourrelationtome。Beverycarefulnottobetraytoher，evenbytheslightestintimation，thatThomasSeymourisnotindifferenttoyou！Ah，herwrathwoulddashtopiecesyouandme！"

"Andwhydoyoubelievethat？"askedElizabeth，gloomily。"WhydoyousupposethatCatharinewouldflyintoapassionbecauseEarlSeymourlovesme？Orhow？——itisshe，perhaps，thatyoulove，andyoudarenotthereforeletherknowthatyouhaveswornyourlovetomealso？Ah，Inowseethroughitall；Iunderstanditall！Youlovethequeen——heronly。Forthatreasonyouwillnotgotothechapelwithme；forthatreasonyousworethatyouwouldnotmarrytheDuchessofRichmond；andtherefore——oh，mypresentimentdidnotdeceiveme——thereforethatfuriousrideinEppingForestto-day。Ah，thequeen\'shorsemustofcoursebecomeraving，andrunaway，thathislordship，themasterofhorse，mightfollowhislady，andwithhergotlostinthethicketofthewoods！——Andnow，"saidshe，hereyesflashingwithanger，andraisingherhandtoheavenasiftakinganoath，"nowIsaytoyou:Takeheedtoyourself！Takeheedtoyourself，Seymour，thatyoudonot，evenbyasinglewordorasinglesyllable，betrayyoursecret，forthatwordwouldcrushyou！

Yes，Ifeelit，thatIamnobastard，thatIammyfather\'sowndaughter；Ifeelitinthiswrathandthisjealousythatrageswithinme！Takeheedtoyourself，Seymour，forIwillgohenceandaccuseyoutotheking，andthetraitor\'sheadwillfalluponthescaffold！"

Shewasbesideherself。Withclenchedfistsandathreateningairshepacedtheroomupanddown。Tearsgushedfromhereyes；butsheshookthemoutofhereyelashes，sothattheyfellscatteringaboutherlikepearls。Herfather\'simpetuousanduntractablenaturestirredwithinher，andhisbloodseethedinherveins。

ButThomasSeymourhadalreadyregainedhisself-commandandcomposure。Heapproachedtheprincessanddespiteherstrugglesclaspedherinhisarms。

"Littlefool！"saidhe，betweenhiskisses。"Sweet，dearfool，howbeautifulyouareinyouranger，andhowIloveyouforit！Jealousyisbecomingtolove；andIdonotcomplain，thoughyouareunjustandcrueltowardme。Thequeenhasmuchtoocoldandproudaheartevertobelovedbyanyman。Ah，onlytothinkthisisalreadytreasontohervirtueandmodesty；andsurelyshehasnotdeservedthisfromustwo，thatweshoulddisdainandinsulther。Sheisthefirstthathasalwaysbeenjusttoyou；andtomeshehaseverbeenonlyagraciousmistress！"

"Itistrue，"murmuredElizabeth，completelyashamed；"sheisatruefriendandmother；andIhavehertothankformypresentpositionatthiscourt。"

Then，afterapause，shesaid，smiling，andextendingherhandtotheearl:"Youareright。Itwouldbeacrimetosuspecther；andI

amafool。Forgiveme，Seymour，forgivemyabsurdandchildishanger；andIpromiseyouinreturntobetrayoursecrettonoone，noteventothequeen。"

"Doyouswearthattome？"

"Iswearittoyou！andIsweartoyoumorethanthat:Iwillneveragainbejealousofher。"

"Thenyoudobutsimplejusticetoyourselfandtothequeenalso，"

saidtheearl，withasmile，ashedrewheragaintohisarms。

Butshepushedhimgentlyback。"Imustnowaway。Themorningdawns，andthearchbishopawaitsmeintheroyalchapel。"

"Andwhatwillyousaytohim，beloved？"

"Iwillmakemyconfessiontohim。"

"How！soyouwillthenbetrayourlovetohim？"

"Oh，"saidshe，withabewitchingsmile，"thatisasecretbetweenusandGod；andonlytoHimalonecanweconfessit；becauseHealonecanabsolveusfromit。Farewell，then，Seymour，farewell，andthinkofmetillweseeeachotheragain！Butwhen——say，whenshallwemeetagain？"

"Whenthereisanightlikethisone，beloved，whenthemoonisnotintheheavens。

Oh，thenIcouldwishtherewereachangeofthemooneveryweek，"

saidshe，withthecharminginnocenceofachild。"Farewell，Seymour，farewell；wemustpart。"

Sheclungtohistall，sturdyformastheivytwinesaroundthetrunkofanoak。Thentheyparted。Theprincessslippedagainsoftlyandunseenintoherapartments，andthenceintotheroyalchapel；

theearldescendedagainthespiralstaircasewhichledtothesecretdoorofthegarden。

Unobservedandunseenhereturnedtohispalace；evenhisvalet，whosleptintheanteroom，didnotseehim，astheearlcreptpasthimlightlyonhistoes，andbetookhimselftohissleeping-room。

Butnosleepcametohiseyesthatnight，andhissoulwasrestlessandfulloffiercetorment。Hewasangrywithhimself，andaccusedhimselfoftreacheryandperfidy；andthenagain，fullofproudhaughtiness，hestilltriedtoexcusehimselfandtosilencehisconscience，whichwassittinginjudgmentonhim。

"Iloveher——heronly！"saidhetohimself。"Catharinepossessesmyheart，mysoul；Iamreadytodevotemywholelifetoher。Yes，I

loveher！Ihavethisdaysosworntoher；andsheismineforalleternity！"

"AndElizabeth？"askedhisconscience。"Haveyounotsworntruthandlovetoheralso？"

"No！"saidhe。"Ihaveonlyreceivedheroath；Ihavenotgivenhermineinreturn。AndwhenIvowednevertomarrytheDuchessofRichmond；whenIsworethis\'bymylove，\'thenIthoughtonlyofCatharine——ofthatproud，beautiful，charmingwoman，atoncemaidenlyandvoluptuous；butnotofthisyoung，inexperienced，wildchild——ofthisunattractivelittleprincess！"

"Buttheprincessmayonedaybecomeaqueen，"whisperedhisambition。

"That，however，isverydoubtful，"repliedhetohimself。"ButitiscertainthatCatharinewillonedaybetheregent，andifIamatthattimeherhusband，thenIamRegentofEngland。"

Thiswasthesecretofhisduplicityandhisdoubletreachery。

ThomasSeymourlovednothingbuthimself，nothingbuthisambition。

Hewascapableofriskinghislifeforawoman；butforrenownandgreatnesshewouldhavegladlysacrificedthiswoman。

Forhimtherewasonlyoneaim，onestruggle:tobecomegreatandpowerfulaboveallthenoblesofthekingdom——tobethefirstmaninEngland。Andtoreachthisaim，hewouldbeafraidofnomeans；hewouldshrinkfromnotreacheryandnosin。

LikethedisciplesofLoyola，hesaid，injustificationofhimself，"theendsanctifiesthemeans。"

Andthusforhimeverymeanswasrightwhichconductedhimtotheend；thatistosay，togreatnessandglory。

Hewasfirmlyconvincedthathelovedthequeenardently；andinhisnoblerhourshedidreallyloveher。Dependingonthemoment，asonofthehour，inhimfeelingandwillvariedwiththerapidityoflightning，andheeverwaswhollyandcompletelythatwithwhichthemomentinflamedhim。

When，therefore，hestoodbeforethequeen，hedidnotliewhenhesworethathelovedherpassionately。Hereallylovedher，withdoublewarmth，sinceshehadtohismindinsomesortidentifiedherselfwithhisambition。Headoredher，becauseshewasthemeansthatmightconducthimtohisend；becauseshemightsomedayholdinherhandsthesceptreofEngland。Andonthedaywhenthiscametopass，hewishedtobeherloverandherlord。Shehadacceptedhimasherlord，andhewasentirelycertainofhisfuturesway。

Consequentlyhelovedthequeen，buthisproudandambitiousheartcouldneverbesocompletelyanimatedbyoneloveasthatthereshouldnotberoominitforasecond，providedthissecondlovepresentedhimafavorablechancefortheattainmentoftheaimofhislife。

PrincessElizabethhadthischance。AndifthequeenwouldcertainlybecomeonedayRegentofEngland，yetElizabethmightsomedayperchancebecomequeenthereof。Ofcourse，itwasasyetonlyaperhaps，butonemightmanageoutofthisperhapstomakeareality。

Besides，thisyoung，passionatechildlovedhim，andThomasSeymourwashimselftooyoungandtooeasilyexcitabletobeabletodespisealovethatpresentedhimwithsuchenticingpromisesandbrightdreamsofthefuture。

"Itdoesnotbecomeamantoliveforlovealone，"saidhetohimselfashenowthoughtovertheeventsofthenight。"Hemuststruggleforthehighestandwishtoreachthegreatest，andnomeansofattainingthisendoughthetoleaveunemployed。Besides，myheartislargeenoughtosatisfyatwofoldlove。Ilovethemboth——bothofthesefairwomenwhofetchmeacrown。LetfatedecidetowhichofthetwoIshallonedaybelong！"

CHAPTERXXII。

HENRYHOWARD，EARLOFSURREY。

Thegreatcourtfestival，solongexpected，wasatlasttotakeplacetoday。Knightsandlordswerepreparingforthetournament；

poetsandscholarsforthefeastofthepoets。Forthewittyandbravekingwishedtounitethetwointhisfestivaltoday，inordertogivetheworldarareandgreatexampleofakingwhocouldclaimallvirtueandwisdomashisown；whocouldbeequallygreatasaheroandasadivine；equallygreatasapoetandasaphilosopherandascholar。

Theknightsweretofightforthehonoroftheirladies；thepoetsweretosingtheirsongs，andJohnHeywoodtobringouthismerryfarces。Ay，eventhegreatscholarsweretohaveapartinthisfestival；forthekinghadspecially，forthis，summonedtoLondonfromCambridge，wherehewasthenprofessorintheuniversity，hisformerteacherintheGreeklanguage，thegreatscholarCroke，towhombelongedthemeritofhavingfirstmadethelearnedworldofGermany，aswellasofEngland，againacquaintedwiththepoetsofGreece。[Footnote:Tytler，p。307。]HewishedtorecitewithCrokesomescenesfromSophoclestohiswonderingcourt；andthough，tobesure，therewasnoonetherewhounderstoodtheGreektongue，yetall，withoutdoubt，mustbeenrapturedwiththewonderfulmusicoftheGreekandtheamazingeruditionoftheking。

Preparationsweregoingoneverywhere；arrangementswerebeingmade；

everyonewasmakinghistoilet，whetheritwerethetoiletofthemindorofthebody。

HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，madehisalso；thatistosay，hehadretiredtohiscabinet，andwasbusyfilingawayatthesonnetswhichheexpectedtoreciteto-day，andinwhichhelaudedthebeautyandthegraceofthefairGeraldine。

Hehadthepaperinhishand，andwaslyingonthevelvetottomanwhichstoodbeforehiswriting-table。

HadLadyJaneDouglasseenhimnow，shewouldhavebeenfilledwithpainfulrapturetoobservehow，withheadleanedbackonthecushion，hislargeblueeyesraiseddreamilytoheaven，hesmiledandwhisperedgentlewords。

Hewaswhollyabsorbedinsweetreminiscences；hewasthinkingofthoserapturous，blessedhourswhichheafewdaysbeforehadspentwithhisGeraldine；andashethoughtofthemheadoredher，andrepeatedtoheranewinhismindhisoathofeternalloveandinviolabletruth。

Hisenthusiasticspiritwascompletelyfilledwithasweetmelancholy；andhefeltperfectlyintoxicatedbythemagicalhappinessaffordedhimbyhisGeraldine。

Shewashis——hisatlast！Afterstrugglessolongandpainful，aftersuchbitterrenunciation，andsuchmournfulresignation，happinesshadatlastarisenforhim；theneverexpectedhadatlastbecomeindeedareality。Catharinelovedhim。Withasacredoathshehadsworntohimthatshewouldonedaybecomehiswife；thatshewouldbecomehiswifebeforeGodandman。

Butwhenisthedaytocomeonwhichhemayshowhertotheworldashisconsort？Whenwillshebeatlengthrelievedfromtheburdenofherroyalcrown？Whenatlengthwillfallfromherthosegoldenchainsthatbindhertoatyrannicalandbloodthirstyhusband——tothecruelandarrogantking？WhenwillCatharineatlengthceasetobequeen，inordertobecomeLadySurrey？

Strange！Asheaskedhimselfthis，thereranoverhimashudder，andanunaccountabledreadfelluponhissoul。

Itseemedtohimasifavoicewhisperedtohim:"Thouwiltneverlivetoseethatday！Theking，oldasheis，willneverthelesslivelongerthanthou！Preparethyselftodie，fordeathisalreadyatthydoor！"

Anditwasnotthefirsttimethathehadheardthatvoice。Oftenbeforeithadspokentohim，andalwayswiththesamewords，thesamewarning。Oftenitseemedtohiminhisdreamsasifhefeltacuttingpainabouttheneck；andhehadseenascaffold，fromwhichhisownheadwasrollingdown。

HenryHowardwassuperstitious；forhewasapoet，andtopoetsitisgiventoperceivethemysteriousconnectionbetweenthevisibleandtheinvisibleworld；tobelievethatsupernaturalpowersandinvisibleformssurroundman，andeitherprotecthimorelsecursehim。

Therewerehoursinwhichhebelievedintherealityofhisdreams——

inwhichhedidnotdoubtofthatmelancholyandhorriblefatewhichtheyforetold。

Formerlyhehadgivenhimselfuptoitwithsmilingresignation；butnow——sincehelovedCatharine，sinceshebelongedtohim——nowhewouldnotdie。Now，whenlifeheldouttohimitsmostenchantingenjoyments，itsintoxicatingdelights——nowhewouldnotleavethem——

nowhedreadedtodie。Hewasthereforecautiousandprudent；and，knowingtheking\'smalicious，savage，andjealouscharacter，hehadalwaysbeenextremelycarefultoavoideverythingthatmightexcitehim，thatmightarousetheroyalhyenafromhisslumbers。

Butitseemedtohimasthoughthekingborehimandhisfamilyaspecialspite；asthoughhecouldneverforgivethemthattheconsortwhomhemostloved，andwhohadthemostbitterlywrongedhim，hadsprungfromtheirstock。Intheking\'severywordandeverylook，HenryHowardfeltandwassensibleofthissecretresentmentoftheking；hesuspectedthatHenrywasonlywatchingforthefavorablemomentwhenhecouldseizeandstranglehim。

Hewasthereforeonhisguard。Fornow，whenGeraldinelovedhim，hislifebelongednolongertohimselfalone；shelovedhim；shehadaclaimonhim；hisdayswere，therefore，hallowedinhisowneyes。

Sohehadkeptsilenceunderthepettyannoyancesandvexationsoftheking。Hehadtakenitevenwithoutmurmuring，andwithoutdemandingsatisfaction，whenthekinghadsuddenlyrecalledhimfromthearmythatwasfightingagainstFrance，andofwhichhewascommander-in-chief，andinhissteadhadsentLordHertford，EarlofSudley，tothearmywhichwasencampedbeforeBoulogneandMontreuil。Hehadquietlyandwithoutresentmentreturnedtohispalace；andsincehecouldnolongerbeageneralandwarrior，hebecameagainascholarandpoet。HispalacewasnowagaintheresortofthescholarsandwritersofEngland；andhewasalwaysready，withtrueprincelymunificence，toassistoppressedanddespisedtalent；toaffordthepersecutedscholaranasyluminhispalace。HeitwaswhosavedthelearnedFoxfromstarvation，andtookhimintohishouse，whereHoratiusJuniusandthepoetChurchyard，afterwardsocelebrated，hadbothfoundahome——theformerashisphysicianandthelatterashispage。[Footnote:Nott\'sLifeoftheEarlofSurrey]

Love，thearts，andthesciences，causedthewoundsthatthekinghadgivenhisambition，tohealover；andhenowfeltnomorerancor；nowhealmostthankedtheking。Fortohisrecallonlydidheowehisgoodfortune；andHenry，whohadwishedtoinjurehim，hadgivenhimhissweetestpleasure。

HenowsmiledashethoughthowHenry，whohadtakenfromhimthebaton，had，withoutknowingit，givenhiminreturnhisownqueen，andhadexaltedhimwhenhewishedtohumblehim。

Hesmiled，andagaintookinhandthepoeminwhichhewishedtocelebrateinsong，atthecourtfestivalthatday，thehonorandpraiseofhislady-love，whomnooneknew，orevensuspected——thefairGeraldine。

"Theversesarestiff，"mutteredhe；"thislanguageissopoor！IthasnotthepowerofexpressingallthatfulnessofadorationandecstasywhichIfeel。Petrarchwasmorefortunateinthisrespect。

Hisbeautiful，flexiblelanguagesoundslikemusic，anditis，evenjustbyitself，theharmoniousaccompanimentofhislove。Ah，Petrarch，Ienvythee，andyetwouldnotbelikethee。Forthinewasamournfulandbitter-sweetlot。Lauraneverlovedthee；andshewasthemotheroftwelvechildren，notasingleoneofwhombelongedtothee。"

Helaughedwithasenseofhisownproudsuccessinlove，andseizedPetrarch\'ssonnets，whichlaynearhimonthetable，tocomparehisownnewsonnetwithasimilaroneofPetrarch\'s。

Hewassoabsorbedinthesemeditations，thathehadnotatallobservedthatthehangingwhichconcealedthedoorbehindhimwaspushedaside，andamarvellousyoungwoman，resplendentwithdiamondsandsparklingwithjewelry，enteredhiscabinet。

Foraninstantshestoodstilluponthethreshold，andwithasmileobservedtheearl，whowasmoreandmoreabsorbedinhisreading。

Shewasofimposingbeauty；herlargeeyesblazedandglowedlikeavolcano；herloftybrowseemedinallrespectsdesignedtowearacrown。And，indeed，itwasaducalcoronetthatsparkledonherblackhair，whichinlongringletscurleddowntoherfull，voluptuousshoulders。Hertallandmajesticformwascladinawhitesatindress，richlytrimmedwithermineandpearls；twoclaspsofcostlybrilliantsheldfasttohershouldersthesmallmantillaofcrimsonvelvet，facedwithermine，whichcoveredherbackandfelldowntoherwaist。

ThusappearedtheDuchessofRichmond，thewidowofKingHenry\'snaturalson，HenryRichmond；thesisterofLordHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey；andthedaughterofthenobleDukeofNorfolk。

Sinceherhusbandhaddiedandleftherawidowattwenty，sheresidedinherbrother\'spalace，andhadplacedherselfunderhisprotection，andintheworldtheywereknownas"theaffectionatebrotherandsister。"

Ah，howlittleknewtheworld，whichiseverwonttojudgefromappearances，ofthehatredandtheloveofthesetwo；howlittlesuspicionhaditoftherealsentimentsofthisbrotherandsister！

HenryHowardhadofferedhissisterhispalaceasherresidence，becausehehopedbyhispresencetolayonherimpulsiveandvoluptuousdispositionarestraintwhichshouldcompelhernottooversteptheboundsofcustomanddecency。LadyRichmondhadacceptedthisofferofhispalacebecauseshewasobligedto；

inasmuchastheavaraciousandparsimoniouskinggavehisson\'swidowonlyameagreincome，andherownmeansshehadsquanderedandlavishlythrownawayuponherlovers。

HenryHowardhadthusactedforthehonorofhisname；buthelovednothissister；nay，hedespisedher。ButtheDuchessofRichmondhatedherbrother，becauseherproudheartfelthumbledbyhim，andunderobligationsofgratitude。

Buttheirhatredandtheircontemptwereasecretthattheybothpreservedinthedepthsoftheheart，andwhichtheyscarcelydaredconfesstothemselves。Bothhadveiledthistheirinmostfeelingwithashowofaffection，andonlyonceinawhilewasonebetrayedtotheotherbysomelightlydroppedwordorunregardedlook。

CHAPTERXXIII。

BROTHERANDSISTER。

Lightlyonthetipsofhertoestheduchessstoletowardherbrother，whodidnotyetobserveher。ThethickTurkishcarpetmadeherstepsinaudible。Shealreadystoodbehindtheearl，andhehadnotyetnoticedher。

Nowshebentoverhisshoulder，andfastenedhersparklingeyesonthepaperinherbrother\'shand。

Thenshereadinaloud，sonorousvoicethetitleofit:"Complaint，becauseGeraldinenevershowsherselftoherloverunlesscoveredbyherveil。"[Footnote:SonnetbySurrey——SeeNott\'sLifeandWorksofSurrey。]"Ah，"saidtheduchess，laughing，"now，then，Ihavespiedoutyoursecret，andyoumustsurrendertomeatdiscretion。

Soyouareinlove；andGeraldineisthenameofthechosenonetowhomyouaddressyourpoems！Isweartoyou，mybrother，youwillrepaymedearforthissecret。"

"Itisnosecretatall，sister，"saidtheearl，withaquietsmile，asherosefromthedivanandsalutedtheduchess。"Itissolittleasecret，thatIshallrecitethissonnetatthecourtfestivalthisveryevening。Ishallnot，therefore，needyoursecrecy，Rosabella。"

"SothefairGeraldinenevershowsherselftoyouunlessinadarkveil，blackasthenight，"saidtheduchess，musingly。"Buttellme，brother，whothenisthefairGeraldine？Oftheladiesatcourt，I

knownotasingleonewhobearsthatname。"

"Soyouseefromthat，thewholeisonlyafiction——acreationofmyfancy。"

"No，indeed，"saidshe，smiling；"onedoesnotwritewithsuchwarmthandenthusiasmunlessheisreallyinlove。Yousingyourlady-love，andyougiveheranothername。Thatisveryplain。Donotdenyit，Henry，forIknowindeedthatyouhavealady-love。Itmaybereadinyoureyes。Andlookyou！itisonaccountofthisdearonethatIhavecometoyou。Itpainsme，Henry，thatyouhavenoconfidenceinme，andallowmenoshareinyourjoysandsorrows。Doyounotknow，then，howtenderlyIloveyou，mydear，noblebrother？"

Sheputherarmtenderlyroundhisneck，andwantedtokisshim。Hebenthisheadback，andlayinghishandonherrosy，roundchin，helookedinquiringlyandsmilinglyintohereyes。

"Youwantsomethingofme，Rosabella！"saidhe。"Ihaveneveryetenjoyedyourtendernessandsisterlyaffection，exceptwhenyouneededmyservices。"

"Howsuspiciousyouare！"criedshe，withacharmingpout，assheshookhishandawayfromherface。"Ihavecomefromwhollydisinterestedsympathy；partlytowarnyou，partlytofindoutwhetheryourloveisperchancefixeduponaladythatwouldrendermywarninguseless。"

"Well，soyousee，Rosabella，thatIwasright，andthatyourtendernesswasnotaimless。Now，then，youwanttowarnme？IhaveyettolearnthatIneedanywarning。"

"Nay，brother！Foritwouldcertainlybeverydangerousandmischievousforyou，ifyourloveshouldchancenottobeinaccordancewiththecommandoftheking。"

AmomentaryflushspreadoverHenryHoward\'sface，andhisbrowdarkened。

"Withtheking\'scommand？"askedhe，inastonishment。"IdidnotknowthatHenrytheEighthcouldcontrolmyheart。And，atanyrate，Iwouldneverconcedehimthatright。Sayquickly，then，sister，whatisit？Whatmeansthisabouttheking\'scommand，andwhatmatrimonialschemehaveyouwomenbeenagaincontriving？ForIwellknowthatyouandmymotherhavenorestwiththethoughtofseeingmestillunmarried。Youwanttobestowonme，whetherorno，thehappinessofmarriage；yet，nevertheless，itappearstomethatyoubothhavesufficientlylearnedfromexperiencethatthishappinessisonlyimaginary，andthatmarriageinrealityis，attheveryleast，thevestibuleofhell。"

"Itistrue，"laughedtheduchess；"theonlyhappymomentofmymarriedlifewaswhenmyhusbanddied。ForinthatIammorefortunatethanmymother，whohashertyrantstilllivingabouther。

Ah，howIpitymymother！"

"Darenottorevileournoblefather！"criedtheearl，almostthreateningly。"Godaloneknowshowmuchhehassufferedfromourmother，andhowmuchhestillsuffers。Heisnottoblameforthisunhappymarriage。Butyouhavenotcometotalkoverthesesadanddisgracefulfamilymatters，sister！Youwishtowarnme，didyousay？"

"Yes，warnyou！"saidtheduchess，tenderly，asshetookherbrother\'shandandledhimtotheottoman。"Come，letussitdownhere，Henry，andletusforoncechatconfidentiallyandcordially，asbecomesbrotherandsister。Tellme，whoisGeraldine？"

"Aphantom，anideal！Ihavetoldyouthatalready。"

"Youreallylove，then，noladyatthiscourt？"

"No，none！Thereisamongalltheseladies，withwhomthequeenhassurroundedherself，notonewhomIamabletolove。"

"Ah，yourheartthenisfree，Henry；andyouwillbesomuchmoreeasilyinclinedtocomplywiththeking\'swish。"

"Whatdoesthekingwish？"

Shelaidherheadonherbrother\'sshoulder，andsaidinalowwhisper:"ThattheHowardandSeymourfamiliesbeatlastreconciled；thatatlasttheymayreconcilethehatred，whichhasforcenturiesseparatedthem，bymeansofafirmandsincerebondoflove。"

"Ah，thekingwantsthat！"criedtheearl，scornfully。

"Forsooth，now，hehasmadeagoodbeginningtowardbringingaboutthisreconciliation。HehasinsultedmebeforeallEurope，byremovingmefrommycommand，andinvestingaSeymourwithmyrankanddignity；andherequiresthatIinreturnshalllovethisarrogantearl，whohasrobbedmeofwhatismydue；whohaslongintriguedandbesiegedtheking\'searswithliesandcalumnies，tillhehasgainedhisendandsupplantedme。"

"Itistruethekingrecalledyoufromthearmy；butthiswasdoneinordertogiveyouthefirstplaceathiscourt——toappointyoulordchamberlaintothequeen。"

HenryHowardtrembledandwassilent。"Itistrue，"hethenmuttered；"Iamobligedtothekingforthisplace。"

"Andthen，"continuedtheduchess，withaninnocentair，"thenIdonotbelieveeitherthatLordHertfordistoblameforyourrecall。

Toprovethistoyou，hehasmadeaproposaltotheking，andtomealso，whichistotestifytoyouandtoalltheworldhowgreatanhonorLordHertfordesteemsittobealliedtotheHowards，andaboveallthingstoyou，bythemostsacredbonds。"

"Ah，thatnoble，magnanimouslord！"criedHenryHoward，withabitterlaugh。"Asmattersdonotadvancewellwithlaurels，hetriesthemyrtles；sincehecanwinnobattles，hewantstomakemarriages。Now，sister，letmehearwhathehastopropose。"

"Adoublemarriage，Henry。HeasksmyhandforhisbrotherThomasSeymour，providedyouchoosehissister，LadyMargaret，foryourwife。"

"Never！"criedtheearl。"NeverwillHenryHowardpresenthishandtoadaughterofthathouse；nevercondescendsofarastoelevateaSeymourtobehiswife。Thatiswellenoughforaking——notforaHoward！

Brother，youinsulttheking！"

"Well，Iinsulthim，then！Hehasinsultedme，too，inarrangingthisbasescheme。"

"Brother，reflect；theSeymoursarepowerful，andstandhighintheking\'sfavor。"

"Yes，intheking\'sfavortheystandhigh！Butthepeopleknowtheirproud，cruel，andarrogantdisposition；andthepeopleandnobilitydespisethem。TheSeymourshavethevoiceofthekingintheirfavor；theHowardsthevoiceofthewholecountry，andthatisofmoreconsequence。ThekingcanexalttheSeymours，fortheystandfarbeneathhim。HecannotexalttheHowards，fortheyarehisequals。Norcanhedegradethem。Catharinediedonthescaffold——thekingbecametherebyonlyahangman——ourescutcheonwasnotsulliedbythatact！"

"Theseareveryproudwords，Henry！"

"TheybecomeasonoftheNorfolks，Rosabella！Ah，seethatpettyLordHertford，EarlSeymour。Hecovetsaducalcoronetforhissister。Hewantstogivehertometowife；forassoonasourpoorfatherdies，Iwearhiscoronet！Thearrogantupstarts！Forthesister\'sescutcheon，mycoronet；forthebrother\'s，yourcoronet。

Never，sayI，shallthatbe！"

Theduchesshadbecomepale，andatremorranthroughherproudform。Hereyesflashed，andanangrywordwasalreadysuspendedonherlips；butshestillhelditback。Sheviolentlyforcedherselftocalmnessandself-possession。

"Consideroncemore，Henry，"saidshe，"donotdecideatonce。Youspeakofourgreatness；butyoudonotbearinmindthepoweroftheSeymours。Itellyoutheyarepowerfulenoughtotreadusinthedust，despiteallourgreatness。Andtheyarenotonlypowerfulatthepresent；theywillbesointhefuturealso；foritiswellknowninwhatdispositionandwhatwayofthinkingthePrinceofWalesistrainedup。Thekingisold，weak，andfailing；deathlurksbehindhisthrone，andwillsoonenoughpresshiminhisarms。ThenEdwardisking。Withhim，theheresyofProtestantismtriumphs；andhowevergreatandnumerousourpartymaybe，yetweshallbepowerlessandsubdued。Yes，weshallbetheoppressedandpersecuted。"

"Weshallthenknowhowtofight，andifitmustbeso，todiealso！"criedherbrother。"Itismorehonorabletodieonthebattle-fieldthantopurchaselifeandhumiliation。"

"Yes，itishonorabletodieonthefieldofbattle；but，Henry，itisadisgracetocometoanenduponthescaffold。Andthat，mybrother，maybeyourfate，ifyoudonotthistimebendyourpride；

ifyoudonotgraspthehandthatLordHertfordextendstoyouinreconciliation，butmortallyoffendhim。Hewilltakebloodyvengeance，whenoncehecomesintopower。"

"Lethimdoit，ifhecan；mylifeisinGod\'shand！Myheadbelongstotheking，butmyhearttomyself；andthatIwillneverdegradetomerchandise，whichImaybarterforalittlesecurityandroyalfavor。"

"Brother，Iconjureyou，considerit！"criedtheduchess，nolongerabletorestrainherpassionatedisposition，andallablazeinhersavagewrath。"Darenotinproudarrogancetodestroymyfuturealso！Youmaydieonthescaffold，ifyouchoose；butI——Iwillbehappy；Iwillatlast，aftersomanyyearsofsorrowanddisgrace，havemyshareoflife\'sjoysalso。Itismydue，andIwillnotrelinquishit；andyoushallnotbeallowedtotearitfromme。

Know，then，mybrother，IloveThomasSeymour；allmydesire，allmyhopeisfixedonhim；andIwillnottearthisloveoutofmyheart；

Iwillnotgivehimup。"

"Well，ifyoulovehim，marryhim，then！"exclaimedherbrother。

"BecomethewifeofthisThomasSeymour！Asktheduke，ourfather，forhisconsenttothismarriage，andIamcertainhewillnotrefuseyou，forheisprudentandcautious，andwill，betterthanI，calculatetheadvantageswhichaconnectionwiththeSeymoursmayyieldourfamily。Dothat，sister，andmarryyourdearlybeloved。I

donothinderyou。"

"Yes，youdohinderme——youalone！"criedhissister，flamingwithwrath。"YouwillrefuseMargaret\'shand；youwillgivetheSeymoursmortaloffence。YoutherebymakemyunionwithThomasSeymourimpossible！Intheproudselfishnessofyourhaughtiness，youseenotthatyouaredashingtoatomsmyhappiness，whileyouarethinkingonlyofyourdesiretooffendtheSeymours。ButItellyou，IloveThomasSeymour——nay，Iadorehim。Heismyhappiness，myfuture，myeternalbliss。Thereforehavepityonme，Henry！Grantmethishappiness，whichIimploreyouforasHeaven\'sblessing。Provetomethatyouloveme，andarewillingtomakethissacrificeforme。Henry，onmyknees，Iconjureyou！GivemethemanIlove；bendyourproudhead；becomeMargaretSeymour\'shusband，thatThomasSeymourmaybecomemine。"

Shehadactuallysunkuponherknees；andherfacedelugedwithtears，bewitchinglybeautifulinherpassionateemotion，shelookedupimploringlytoherbrother。

Buttheearldidnotliftherup；onthecontrary，withasmile，hefellbackastep。"Howlongisitnow，duchess，"askedhe，mockingly，"sinceyousworethatyoursecretary，Mr。Wilford，wasthemanwhomyouloved？Positively，Ibelievedyou——IbelievedittillIonedayfoundyouinthearmsofyourpage。Onthatday，I

sworetomyselfnevertobelieveyouagain，thoughyouvowedtome，withanoatheversosacred，thatyoulovedaman。Well，now，youloveaman；butwhatone，isamatterofindifference。To-dayhisnameisThomas，tomorrowArchibald，orEdwardasyouplease！"

Forthefirsttimetheearldrewtheveilawayfromhisheart，andlethissisterseeallthecontemptandangerthathefelttowardher。

Theduchessalsofeltwoundedbyhiswords，asbyared-hotiron。

Shesprangfromherknees；andwithflurriedbreath，withlooksflashingwithrage，everymuscleofhercountenanceconvulsedandtrembling，thereshestoodbeforeherbrother。Shewasawomannomore；shewasalioness，that，withoutcompassionorpity，willdevourhimwhohasdaredirritateher。

"EarlofSurrey，youareashamelesswretch！"saidshe，withcompressed，quiveringlips。"WereIaman，Iwouldslapyouintheface，andcallyouascoundrel。But，bytheeternalGod，youshallnotsaythatyouhavedonethiswithimpunity！Oncemore，andforthelasttime，Inowaskyou，willyoucomplywithLordHertford\'swish？WillyoumarryLadyMargaret，andaccompanymewithThomasSeymourtothealtar？"

"No，Iwillnot，andIwillneverdoit！"exclaimedherbrother，solemnly。"TheHowardsbownotbeforetheSeymours；andneverwillHenryHowardmarryawifethathedoesnotlove！"

"Ah，youlovehernot！"saidshe，breathless，gnashingherteeth。

"YoudonotloveLadyMargaret；andforthisreasonmustyoursisterrenounceherlove，andgiveupthismanwhomsheadores。Ah，youlovenotthissisterofThomasSeymour？SheisnottheGeraldinewhomyouadore——towhomyoudedicateyourverses！Well，now，Iwillfindherout——yourGeraldine。Iwilldiscoverher；andthen，woetoyouandtoher！YourefusemeyourhandtoleadmetothealtarwithThomasSeymour；well，now，IwillonedayextendyoumyhandtoconductyouandyourGeraldinetothescaffold！"

Andasshesawhowtheearlstartledandturnedpale，shecontinuedwithascornfullaugh:"Ah，youshrink，andhorrorcreepsoveryou！

Doesyourconscienceadmonishyouthatthehero，rigidinvirtue，mayyetsometimesmakeafalsestep？Youthoughttohideyoursecret，ifyouenvelopeditintheveilofnight，likeyourGeraldine，who，asyouwailinglycomplaininthatpoemthere，nevershowsherselftoyouwithoutaveilasblackasnight。Justwait，wait！Iwillstrikealightforyou，beforewhichallyournight-

likeveilsshallhetorninshreds；IwilllightupthenightofyoursecretwithatorchwhichwillbelargeenoughtosetonfirethefagotpilesahoutthestaketowhichyouandyourGeraldinearetogo！"

"Ah，nowyouletmeseeforthefirsttimeyourrealcountenance，"

saidHenryHoward，shrugginghisshoulders。"Theangel\'smaskfallsfromyourface；andIbeholdthefurythatwashiddenbeneathit。

Nowyouareyourmother\'sowndaughter；andatthismomentI

comprehendforthefirsttimewhatmyfatherhassuffered，andwhyheshunnednoteventhedisgraceofadivorce，justtobedeliveredfromsuchaMegaera。"

"Oh，Ithankyou，thankyou！"criedshe，withasavagelaugh。"Youarefillingupthemeasureofyouriniquity。Itisnotenoughthatyoudriveyoursistertodespair；yourevileyourmotheralso！Yousaythatwearefuries；well，indeed，forweshallonedaybesuchtoyou，andwewillshowyouourMedusa-face，beforewhichyouwillbestiffenedtostone。HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，fromthishourout，Iamyourimplacableenemy；lookoutfortheheadonyourshoulders，formyhandisraisedagainstit，andinmyhandisasword！Guardwellthesecretthatsleepsinyourbreast；foryouhavetransformedmetoavampirethatwillsuckyourheart\'sblood。

Youhavereviledmymother，andIwillgohenceandtellherofit。

Shewillbelieveme；forshewellknowsthatyouhateher，andthatyouareagenuinesonofyourfather；thatistosay，acantinghypocrite，amiserablefellow，whocarriesvirtueonthelipsandcrimeintheheart。"

"Cease，Isay，cease，"criedtheearl，"ifyoudonotwantmetoforgetthatyouareawomanandmysister！"

"Forgetitbyallmeans，"saidshe，scornfully。"Ihaveforgottenlongsincethatyouaremybrother，asyouhavelongsinceforgottenthatyouarethesonofyourmother。Farewell，EarlofSurrey；I

leaveyouandyourpalace，andwillfromthishouroutabidewithmymother。thedivorcedwifeoftheDukeofNorfolk。Butmarkyouthis:

wetwoareseparatedfromyouinourlove——butnotinourhate！Ourhatredtoyouremainseternalandunchangeable；andonedayitwillcrushyou！Farewell，EarlofSurrey；wemeetagainintheking\'spresence！"

Sherushedtothedoor。HenryHowarddidnotholdherback。Helookedafterherwithasmileassheleftthecabinet，andmurmured，almostcompassionately:"Poorwoman！Ihave，perhaps，cheatedheroutofalover，andshewillneverforgivemethat。Well，letitbeso！Lether，asmuchasshepleases，bemyenemy，andtormentmewithpettypin-prickings，ifshebebutunabletoharmher。Ihope，though，thatIhaveguardedwellmysecret，andshecouldnotsuspecttherealcauseofmyrefusal。Ah，Iwasobligedtowrapmyselfinthatfoolishfamilypride，andmakehaughtinessacloakformylove。Oh，Geraldine，theewouldIchoose，wertthouthedaughterofapeasant；andIwouldnotholdmyescutcheontarnished，ifforthysakeImustdrawapaleathwartit——Buthark！Itisstrikingfour！Myservicebegins！Farewell，Geraldine，Imusttothequeen！"

Andwhilehebetookhimselftohisdressing-room，toputonhisstaterobesforthegreatcourtfeast，theDuchessofRichmondreturnedtoherownapartments，tremblingandquiveringwithrage。

Shetraversedthesewithprecipitatehaste，andenteredherboudoir，whereEarlDouglaswaswaitingforher。

"Well，"saidhe，steppingtowardherwithhissoft，lurkingsmile，"hasheconsented？"

"No，"saidshe，gnashingherteeth。"HesworehewouldneverenterintoanalliancewiththeSeymours。"

"Iwellknewthat，"mutteredtheearl。"Andwhatdoyoudecideuponnow，mylady？"

"Iwillhaverevenge！Hewantstohindermefrombeinghappy；Iwillforthatmakehimunhappy！"

"Youwilldowellinthat，mylady；forheisanapostateandperjurer；anunfaithfulsonoftheChurch。Heinclinestothehereticalsect，andhasforgottenthefaithofhisfathers。"

"Iknowit！"saidshe，breathlessly。

EarlDouglaslookedatherinastonishment，andcontinued:"Butheisnotmerelyanatheist，heisatraitoralso；andmorethanoncehehasreviledhisking，towhomhe，inhisprideofheart，believeshimselffarsuperior。"

"Iknowit！"repeatedshe。

"Soproudishe，"continuedtheearl，"sofullofblasphemoushaughtiness，thathemightlayhishandsuponthecrownofEngland。"

"Iknowit！"saidtheduchessagain。Butasshesawtheearl\'sastonishedanddoubtinglooks，sheadded，withaninhumansmile:"I

knoweverythingthatyouwantthatIshouldknow！Onlyimputecrimestohim；onlyaccusehim；Iwillsubstantiateeverything，testifytoeverythingthatwillbringhimtoruin。Mymotherisourally；shehatesthefatherashotlyasItheson。Bringyouraccusation，then，EarlDouglas；weareyourwitnesses！"

"Nay，indeed，mylady，"saidhe，withagentle，insinuatingsmile。

"Iknownothingatall；Ihaveheardnothing；how，then，canIbringanaccusation？Youknowall；toyouhehasspoken。Youmustbehisaccuser！"

"Well，then，conductmetotheking！"saidshe。

"Willyouallowmetogiveyousomemoreadvicefirst？"

"Doso，EarlDouglas。"

"Beverycautiousinthechoiceofyourmeans。Donotwastethemallatonce，sothatifyourfirstthrustdoesnothit，youmaynotbeafterwardwithoutweapons。Itisbetter，andfarlessdangerous，tosurelykilltheenemythatyouhatewithaslow，creepingpoison，graduallyanddaybyday，thantomurderhimatoncewithadagger，whichmay，however，breakonaribandbecomeineffective。Tell，then，whatyouknow，notatonce，butlittlebylittle。Administeryourdrugwhichistomakethekingfurious，gradually；andifyoudonothityourenemyto-day，thinkthatyouwilldoitsomuchthemoresurelyto-morrow。Nordoyouforgetthatwehavetopunish，notmerelythehereticHenryHoward，butaboveallthingsthehereticalqueen，whoseunbeliefwillcalldownthewrathoftheMostHighuponthisland。"

"Cometotheking，"saidshe，hastily。"OnthewayyoucantellmewhatIoughttomakeknownandwhatconceal。Iwilldoimplicitlywhatyousay。Now，HenryHoward，"saidshesoftlytoherself，"holdyourselfready；thecontestbegins！Inyourprideandselfishnessyouhavedestroyedthehappinessofmylife——myeternalfelicity。I

lovedThomasSeymour；IhopedbyhissidetofindthehappinessthatIhavesolongandsovainlysoughtinthecrookedpathsoflife。Bythislovemysoulwouldhavebeensavedandrestoredtovirtue。Mybrotherhaswilledotherwise。Hehas，therefore，condemnedmetobeademon，insteadofanangel。Iwillfulfilmydestiny。Iwillbeanevilspirittohim。"[Footnote:TheEarlofSurrey，byhisrefusaltomarryMargaretSeymour，gaveoccasiontotheruptureoftheproposedalliancebetweenThomasSeymourandtheDuchessofRichmond，hissister。Afterthattheduchessmortallyhatedhimandcombinedwithhisenemiesagainsthim。TheDuchessofRichmondisdesignatedbyallthehistoriansofhertimeas"themostbeautifulwomanofhercentury，butalsoashamelessMessalina。"——SeeTytler，p。890。AlsoBurnet，vol。i，p。134；Leti，vol。i，p。83；andNott\'sLifeofHenryHoward。]

CHAPTERXXIV。

THEQUEEN\'STOILET。

Thefestivitiesofthedayareconcluded，andthegallantknightsandchampions，whohaveto-daybrokenalanceforthehonoroftheirladies，mayrestfromtheirvictoriesupontheirlaurels。Thetournamentofarmswasover，andthetournamentofmindwasabouttobegin。Theknights，therefore，retiredtoexchangethecoat-of-mailforgold-embroideredvelvetapparel；theladiestoputontheirlightereveningdresses；andthequeen，likewisewiththisdesign，hadwithdrawntoherdressing-room，whiletheladiesandlordsofhercourtwereinattendanceinthelargeanteroomtoescorthertothethrone。

Without，itwasbeginningtogrowdusky，andthetwilightcastitslongshadowsacrossthishall，inwhichthecavaliersofthecourtwerewalkingupanddownwiththeladies，anddiscussingtheparticularlyimportanteventsoftheday\'stourney。

TheEarlofSudley，ThomasSeymour，hadborneofftheprizeoftheday，andconqueredhisopponent，HenryHoward。Thekinghadbeeninrapturesonthisaccount。ForThomasSeymourhadbeenforsometimehisfavorite；perhapsbecausehewasthedeclaredenemyoftheHowards。Hehad，therefore，addedtothegoldenlaurelcrownwhichthequeenhadpresentedtotheearlastheaward，adiamondpin，andcommandedthequeentofastenitintheearl\'sruffwithherownhand。Catharinehaddonesowithsullencountenanceandavertedlooks；andevenThomasSeymourhadshownhimselfonlyaverylittledelightedwiththeproudhonorwithwhichthequeen，atherhusband\'scommand，wastogracehim。

Therigidpopishpartyatcourtformednewhopesfromthis，anddreamedofthequeen\'sconversionandreturntothetrue，purefaith；whiletheProtestant，"theheretical"party，lookedtothefuturewithgloomydespondency，andwereafraidofbeingrobbedoftheirmostpowerfulsupportandtheirmostinfluentialpatronage。

Nobodyhadseenthat，asthequeenarosetocrownthevictor，ThomasSeymour，herhandkerchief，embroideredwithgold，fellfromherhands，andthattheearl，afterhehadtakenitupandpresentedittothequeen，hadthrusthishandforamoment，withamotionwhollyaccidentalandundesigned，intohisruff，whichwasjustaswhiteasthesmallneatly-foldedpaperwhichheconcealedinit，andwhichhehadfoundinthequeen\'shandkerchief。

Onepersonhadseenit。ThislittleruseofthequeenhadnotescapedJohnHeywood，whohadimmediately，bysomecuttingwitticism，setthekingtolaughing，andtriedtodrawtheattentionofthecourtiersfromthequeenandherlover。

Hewasnowstandingcrowdedintotheembrasureofawindow，andentirelyconcealedbehindthesilkcurtain；andso，withoutbeingseen，helethisfalconeyesroamoverthewholeroom。

Hesaweverything；heheardeverything；and，noticedbynone，heobservedall。

HesawhowEarlDouglasnowmadeasigntoBishopGardiner，andhowhequicklyansweredit。

Asifbyaccident，bothnowleftthegroupswithwhomtheyhadjustbeenchatting，anddrewneareachother，lookingaboutforsomeplacewhere，unobservedandseparatedfromtherest，theymightconversetogether。Inallthewindowswerestandinggroups，chattingandlaughing；onlythatwindowbehindthecurtainofwhichJohnHeywoodwasconcealed，wasunoccupied。

SoEarlDouglasandthebishopturnedthither。

"Shallweattainourendto-day？"askedGardiner，inalowvoice。

"WithGod\'sgraciousassistance，weshallannihilateallourenemiesto-day。Theswordalreadyhangsovertheirheads，andsoonitwillfallanddeliverusfromthem，"saidEarlDouglas，solemnly。

"Areyou，then，certainofit？"askedGardiner，andanexpressionofcrueldelightflittedacrosshismalicious，ashyface。"Buttellme，howcomesitthatArchbishopCranmerisnothere？"

"Heissick，andsohadtoremainatLambeth。

Maythissicknessbetheforerunnerofhisdeath！"mutteredthebishop，devoutlyfoldinghishands。

"Itwillbeso，yourhighness；GodwilldestroyHisenemiesandblessus。Cranmerisaccused，andthekingwilljudgehimwithoutmercy。

Andthequeen？"

EarlDouglaswasamomentsilent，andthensaid，inalowwhisper:

"Waitbutafewhoursmore，andshewillbequeennolonger。Insteadofreturningfromthethrone-roomtoherapartments，weshallaccompanyhertotheTower。"

JohnHeywood，completelyenvelopedinthefoldsofthecurtain，heldhisbreathandlistened。

"Andyouare，then，perfectlysureofourvictory？"askedGardiner。

"Cannoaccident，nounforeseencircumstance，snatchitfromus？"

"Ifthequeengiveshimtherosette——no！ForthenthekingwillfindGeraldine\'slove-letterinthesilverknot，andsheiscondemned。Soalldependsonthequeen\'swearingtherosette，andnotdiscoveringitscontents。Butsee，yourhighness，thereistheDuchessofRichmondapproachingus。Shemakesasigntome。Nowprayforus，yourhighness，forIamgoingwithhertotheking，andshewillaccusethishatedCatharineParr！Itellyou，bishop，itisanaccusationinvolvinglifeanddeath；andifCatharineescapeonedanger，shewillrunintoanother。Waithereforme，yourhighness；

Iwillreturnsoonandtellyoutheresultofourscheme。LadyJane，also，willsoonbringusnewshere。"

Heleftthewindowandfollowedtheduchess，whocrossedthehall，andwithherdisappearedthroughthedoorthatledtotheking\'sapartments。

Theladiesandlordsofthecourtlaughedandchattedaway。

JohnHeywoodstood，withthrobbingheartandinbreathlessanxiety，behindthecurtain，closebyGardiner，whohadfoldedhishandsandwaspraying。

WhileGardinerprayed，andDouglasaccusedandcalumniated，thequeen，suspectingnothingoftheseplotstheywereframingagainsther，wasinhertoilet-roomandbeingadornedbyherwomen。

Shewasto-dayverybeautiful，verymagnificenttolookupon；atonceawomanandqueen；atthesametimeresplendentandmodest，withabewitchingsmileonherrosylips；andyetcommandingrespectinherproudandgloriousbeauty。NoneofHenry\'squeenshadsowellunderstoodtheartofappearinginpublic，andnoneremainedsomuchthewomanwhiledoingso。

Asshenowstoodbeforethelargemirror，whichtheRepublicofVenicehadsentthekingasawedding-gift，andwhichreflectedthefigureofthequeensparklingwithdiamonds，shesmiled，forshewasobligedtoconfesstoherselfthatshewasverybeautifulto-day；

andshethoughtthatto-dayThomasSeymourwouldlookuponhislovewithpride。

Asshethoughtofhim，adeepcrimsonoverspreadherface，andathrillflewthroughherframe。Howhandsomehehadbeenatthetournamentthatday；howsplendidlyheleapedoverthebarriers；howhiseyeflashed；howcontemptuoushadbeenhissmile！Andthen，thatlookwhichhedirectedovertoheratthemomentwhenhehadconqueredhisantagonist，HenryHoward，andhurledthelancefromhishand！Oh，herheartwasthenreadytoburstwithdelightandrapture！

Whollygivenuptoherreverie，shesankinhergildedarm-chairandcasthereyestotheground，dreamingandsmiling。

Behindherstoodherwomeninrespectfulsilence，waitingforasignfromtheirmistress。Butthequeennolongerthoughtatallofthem；

sheimaginedherselfalone；shesawnobodybutthathandsome，manlyfaceforwhichshehadreservedaplaceinherheart。

Nowthedooropened，andLadyJaneDouglasentered。She，too，wasmagnificentlydressed，andsparklingwithdiamonds；she，too，wasbeautiful，butitwasthepallid，dreadfulbeautyofademon；andhewholookeduponherjustthen，assheenteredtheroom，wouldhavetrembled，andhisheartwouldhavebeenseizedwithanundefinedfear。

Shethrewaquickglanceonhermistresslostinrevery；andasshesawthathertoiletwasfinished，shemadeasigntothewomen，whosilentlyobeyedandlefttheroom。

StillCatharinenoticednothing。LadyJanestoodbehindherandobservedherinthemirror。Asshesawthequeensmile，herbrowdarkenedandfiercefireflashedinhereyes。

"Sheshallsmilenomore，"saidshetoherself。"Isufferthusterriblybyher；well，now，sheshallsuffertoo。"

Softlyandnoiselesslysheslippedintothenextroom，thedoorofwhichstoodajar，andopenedwithhurriedhandacartonfilledwithribbonsandbows。Thenshedrewfromthevelvetpocket，wroughtwithpearls，whichhungatherside，suspendedbyagoldchain，adark-

redrosette，andthrewitintothebox。Thatwasall。

LadyJanenowreturnedtotheadjoiningroom；andhercountenance，whichhadbeenpreviouslygloomyandthreatening，wasnowproudandjoyful。

Withabrightsmileshewalkeduptothequeen，andkneelingdownatherside，shepressedaferventkissonthehandthatwashangingdown。

"Whatismyqueenmusingover？"askedshe，asshelaidherheadonCatharine\'skneeandtenderlylookedupather。

Thequeengaveaslightstart，andraisedherhead。ShesawLadyJane\'stendersmile，andheryetsearchinglooks。

Becauseshefeltconsciousofguilt，atleastofguiltythoughts，shewasonherguard，andrememberedJohnHeywood\'swarning。

"Sheisobservingme，"shesaidtoherself；"sheseemsaffectionate；

sosheisbroodingoversomewickedplot。

Ah，itiswellyouhavecome，Jane，"saidshealoud。"Youcanhelpme；for，totellyouthetruth，Iamingreatperplexity。Iaminwantofarhyme，andIamthinkinginvainhowIshallfindit。"

"Ah，areyoucomposingpoetry，queen？"

"Why，Jane，doesthatsurpriseyou？ShallI，thequeen，beable，then，tobearoffnoprize？Iwouldgivemypreciousjewels，ifI

couldsucceedincomposingapoemtowhichthekingwasobligedtoawardtheprize。ButIamwantinginamusicalear；Icannotfindtherhyme，andsoshallheobligedatlasttogiveuptheideaofwinninglaurelsalso。Howthekingwouldenjoyit，though！For，toconfessthetruthtoyou，IbelieveheisalittleafraidthatHenryHowardwillbearofftheprize，andhewouldbeverythankfultomeifIcouldcontestitwithhim。YouwellknowthekinghasnolovefortheHowards。"

"Andyou，queen？"askedJane；andsheturnedsopale，thatthequeenherselfnoticedit。

"Youareunwell，Jane，"saidshe，sympathizingly。"Really，Jane，youseemtobesuffering。Youneedrecreation；youshouldrestalittle。"

ButJanehadalreadyregainedhercalmandearnestair，andshesucceededinsmiling。

"No，indeed！"saidshe。"Iamwell，andsatisfiedtobepermittedtobenearyou。Butwillyouallowme，queen，tomakearequestofyou？"

"Ask，Jane，ask，anditisgrantedbeforehand；forIknowthatJanewillrequestnothingthatherfriendcannotgrant。"

LadyJanewassilent，andlookedthoughtfullyupontheground。Withfirmresolutionshestruggledwithherself。Herproudheartrearedfiercelyupatthethoughtofbowingbeforethiswoman，whomshehated，andofbeingobligedtoapproachherwithafawningprayer。

Shefeltsuchraginghateagainstthequeen，thatinthathourshewouldwillinglyhavegivenherownlife，ifshecouldhavefirstseenherenemyatherfeet，wailingandcrushed。

HenryHowardlovedthequeen；soCatharinehadrobbedheroftheheartofhimwhomsheadored。Catharinehadcondemnedhertotheeternaltormentofrenouncinghim——totherackofenjoyingahappinessandarapturethatwasnothers——towarmherselfatafirewhichshelikeathiefhadstolenfromthealtarofanother\'sgod。

Catharinewascondemnedanddoomed。Janehadnomorecompassion。Shemustcrushher。

"Well，"askedthequeen，"youaresilent？YoudonottellmewhatI

amtograntyou？"

LadyJaneraisedhereyes，andherlookwassereneandpeaceful。

"Queen，"saidshe，"Iencounteredintheante-roomonewhoisunhappy，deeplyboweddown。Inyourhandaloneisthepowertoraisehimupagain。Willyoudoit？"

"WillIdoit！"exclaimedCatharine，quickly。"Oh，Jane，youwellknowhowmuchmyheartlongstohelpandbeserviceabletotheunfortunate！Ah，somanywoundsareinflictedatthiscourt，andthequeenissopoorinbalmtohealthem！Allowmethispleasurethen，Jane，andIshallbethankfultoyou，notyoutome！Speakthen，Jane，speakquickly；whoisitthatneedsmyhelp？"

"Notyourhelp，queen，butyourcompassionandyourgrace。EarlSudleyhasconqueredpoorEarlSurreyinthetournamentto-day，andyoucomprehendthatyourlordchamberlainfeelshimselfdeeplybowedandhumbled。"

"CanIalterthat，Jane？Whydidthevisionaryearl，theenthusiasticpoet，allowhimselfacontestwithaherowhoalreadyknowswhathewants，andeveraccomplisheswhathewills？Oh，itwaswonderfultolookupon，withwhatlightningspeedThomasSeymourliftedhimoutofthesaddle！AndtheproudEarlSurrey，thewiseandlearnedman，thepowerfulpartyleader，wasforcedtobowbeforethehero，wholikeanangelMichaelhadthrownhiminthedust。"

Thequeenlaughed。

ThatlaughwentthroughJane\'sheartlikeacuttingsword。

"Sheshallpaymeforthat！"saidshesoftlytoherself。"Queen，"

saidshealoud，"youareperfectlyright；hehasdeservedthishumiliation；butnow，afterheispunished，youshouldlifthimup。

Nay，donotshakeyourbeautifulhead。Doitforyourownsake，queen；doitfromprudence。EarlSurrey，withhisfather，istheheadofapowerfulparty，whomthishumiliationoftheHowardsfillswithastillmoreburninghateagainsttheSeymours，andwhowill，intimetocome，takeabloodyrevengeforit。"

"Ah，youfrightenme！"saidthequeen，whohadnowbecomeserious。

LadyJanecontinued:"IsawhowtheDukeofNorfolkbithislips，ashissonhadtoyieldtoSeymour；Iheardhowone，hereandthere，mutteredlowcursesandvowsofvengeanceagainsttheSeymours。"

"Whodidthat？Whodaredtodoit？"exclaimedCatharine，springingupimpetuouslyfromherarm-chair。"Whoatthiscourtissoaudaciousastowishtoinjurethosewhomthequeenloves？Namehimtome，Jane；Iwillknowhisname！Iwillknowit，thatImayaccusehimtotheking。ForthekingdoesnotwantthatthesenobleSeymoursshouldgivewaytotheHowards；hedoesnotwantthatthenobler，thebetter，andmoreglorious，shouldbowbeforethesequarrelsome，domineeringpapists。ThekinglovesthenobleSeymours，andhispowerfularmwillprotectthemagainstalltheirenemies。"

"And，withoutdoubt，yourmajestywillassisthiminit？"saidJane，smiling。

Thissmilebroughtthequeenbacktohersensesagain。

Sheperceivedthatshehadgonetoofar；thatshehadbetrayedtoomuchofhersecret。Shemust，therefore，repairthedamage，andallowherexcitementtobeforgotten。Thereforeshesaid，calmly:

"Certainly，Jane；Iwillassistthekingtobejust。ButneverwillIbeunjust，notevenagainstthesepapists。IfIcannotlovethem，neverthelessnooneshallsaythatIhatethem。Andbesides，itbecomesaqueentoriseaboveparties。Say，then，Jane，whatcanI

doforpoorSurrey？WithwhatshallwebindupthesewoundsthatthebraveSeymourhasinflictedonhim？"

"Youhavepubliclygiventhevictorinthetournamentatokenofyourgreatfavor——youhavecrownedhim。"

"Itwastheking\'sorder，"exclaimedCatharine，warmly。

"Well！Hewillnot，however，commandyoutorewardtheEarlofSurreyalso，ifhelikewiseshouldgainthevictorythisevening。Doit，therefore，ofyourownaccord，queen。Givehimopenly，beforeyourwholecourt，atokenofyourfavor！Itissoeasyforprincestomakemenhappy，tocomforttheunfortunate！Asmile，afriendlyword，apressureofthehandissufficientforit。Aribbonthatyouwearonyourdressmakeshimtowhomyoupresentit，proudandhappy，andraiseshimhighaboveallothers。Ponderitwell，queen；

IspeaknotforEarlSurrey\'ssake；Iamthinkingmoreofyourself。

Ifyouhavethecourage，publiclyandinspiteofthedisgracewithwhichKingHenrythreatenstheHowards，tobeneverthelessjusttothem，andtorecognize_their_meritsaswellasthatofothers——

believeme，ifyoudothat，thewholeofthispowerfulparty，whichisnowhostiletoyou，willfallatyourfeetovercomeandconquered。Youwillatlastbecometheall-powerfulanduniversallylovedQueenofEngland；and，liketheheretics，thepapistsalsowillcallyoutheirmistressandprotectress。Considernolonger！

Letyournobleandgenerousheartprevail！SpitefulfortunehasprostratedHenryHowardinthedust。Extendhimyourhand，queen，thathemayriseagain，andagainstandthereatyourcourt，proudandradiantashealwayswas。HenryHowardwelldeservesthatyoushouldbegracioustohim。Greatandbeaminglikeastar，heshinesonhighaboveallmen；andthereisnoonewhocansaythathehimselfismoreprudentorbraver，wiserormorelearned，nobleorgreater，thanthenoble，theexaltedSurrey。AllEnglandresoundswithhisfame。Thewomenrepeatwithenthusiasmhisbeautifulsonnetsandlove-songs；thelearnedareproudtocallhimtheirequal，andthewarriorsspeakwithadmirationofhisfeatsofarms。

Bejust，then，queen！Youhavesohighlyhonoredthemeritofvalor；

now，honorthemeritofmindalso！Youhave，inSeymour，honoredthewarrior；now，inHoward，honorthepoetandtheman！"

"Iwilldoit，"saidCatharine，aswithacharmingsmileshelookedintoJane\'sglowingandenthusiasticcountenance。"Iwilldoit，Jane，butupononecondition！"

"Andthisconditionis——"

CatharineputherarmaroundJane\'sneck，anddrewherclosetoherheart，"Thatyouconfesstome，thatyouloveHenryHoward，whomyouknowhowtodefendsoenthusiasticallyandwarmly。"

LadyJanegaveastart，andforamomentleanedherheadonthequeen\'sshoulder，exhausted。

"Well，"askedshe，"doyouconfessit？Willyouacknowledgethatyourproud，coldheartisobligedtodeclareitselfovercomeandconquered？"

"Yes，Iconfessit，"criedLadyJane，aswithpassionatevehemenceshethrewherselfatCatharine\'sfeet。"Yes，Ilovehim——Iadorehim。Iknowitisadisdainedandunhappylove；butwhatwouldyouhave？Myheartismightierthaneverythingelse。Ilovehim；heismygodandmylord；Iadorehimasmysaviorandlord。Queen，youknowallmysecret；betraymeifyouwill！Tellittomyfather，ifyouwishhimtocurseme。TellittoHenryHoward，ifitpleasesyoutohearhowhescoffsatme。Forhe，queen——helovesmenot！"

"PoorunfortunateJane！"exclaimedthequeen，compassionately。

Janeutteredalowcry，androsefromherknees。Thatwastoomuch。

Herenemycommiseratedher。She，whowastoblameforhersorrow——

shebemoanedherfate。

Ah，shecouldhavestrangledthequeen；shecouldhaveplungedadaggerintoherheart，becauseshedaredtocommiserateher。

"Ihavecompliedwithyourcondition，queen，"saidshe，breathinghurriedly。"Willyounowcomplywithmyrequest？"

"Andwillyoureallybeanadvocateforthisunthankful，cruelman，whodoesnotloveyou？Proudlyandcoldlyhepassesyourbeautyby，andyou——youintercedeforhim！"

"Queen，truelovethinksnotofitself！Itsacrificesitself。Itmakesnoquestionoftherewarditreceives，butonlyofthehappinesswhichitbestows。Isawinhispale，sorrowfulface，howmuchhesuffered；oughtInottothinkofcomfortinghim？I

approachedhim，Iaddressedhim；Iheardhisdespairinglamentationoverthatmisfortune，which，however，wasnotthefaultofhisactivityandcourage，but，asalltheworldsaw，thefaultofhishorse，whichwasshyandstumbled。Andashe，inallthebitternessofhispain，waslamentingthatyou，queen，woulddespiseandscornhim，I，withfulltrustinyournobleandmagnanimousheart，promisedhimthatyouwould，atmyrequest，yetgivehimto-day，beforeyourwholecourt，atokenofyourfavor。Catharine，didIdowrong？"

"No，Jane，no！Youdidright；andyourwordsshallbemadegood。ButhowshallIbegin？WhatshallIdo？"

"Theearlthisevening，afterthekinghasreadtheGreekscenewithCroke，willrecitesomenewsonnetswhichhehascomposed。Whenhehasdoneso，givehimsomekindofapresent——beitwhatitmay，nomatter——asatokenofyourfavor。"

"Buthow，Jane，ifhissonnetsdeservenopraiseandnoacknowledgment？

Youmaybesurethattheydodeserveit。ForHenryHowardisanobleandtruepoet，andhisversesarefullofheavenlymelodyandexaltedthoughts。"

Thequeensmiled。"Yes，"saidshe，"youlovehimardently；foryouhavenodoubtastohim。Wewill，therefore，recognizehimasagreatpoet。ButwithwhatshallIrewardhim？"

"Givehimarosethatyouwearinyourbosom——arosettethatisfastenedtoyourdressandshowsyourcolors。"

"Butalas，Jane，to-dayIwearneitherarosenorarosette。"

"Yetyoucanwearone，queen。Arosetteis，indeed，wantinghereonyourshoulder。Yourpurplemantleistoonegligentlyfastened。Wemustputsometrimminghere。"

Shewenthastilyintothenextroomandreturnedwiththeboxinwhichwerekeptthequeen\'sribbonsembroideredwithgold，andbowsadornedwithjewels。

LadyJanesearchedandselected，hereandthere，alongtime。Thenshetookthecrimsonvelvetrosette，whichsheherselfhadpreviouslythrownintothebox，andshowedittothequeen。