第9章

"Iseeyoustillhateme，mylady，"saidArabella，smiling。"Youhavenotyetforgivenmethattheduke，yourhusband，foundmoredelightinmyyoung，handsomeface，thaninyours，nowgrowingold——

thatmysprightly，wantondispositionpleasedhimbetterthanyourcold，statelyair。"

Theduchessturnedpalewithrage，andhereyesdartedlightning。

"Silence，youshamelesscreature！silence，orIwillcallmyservantstoridmeofyou！"

"Youwillnotcallthem；forIhavecometobereconciledwithyou，andtoofferyoupeace。"

"Peacewithyou！"sneeredtheduchess——"peacewiththatshamelesswomanwhostolefrommemyhusband，thefatherofmychildren？——wholoadedmewiththedisgraceofstandingbeforethewholeworldasarepudiatedanddespisedwife，andofsufferingmyselftobecomparedwithyou，thattheworldmightdecidewhichofustwowasworthierofhislove？Peacewithyou，MissHolland？——withtheimpudentstrumpetwhosquandersmyhusband\'smeansinlavishluxury，and，withscoffingboldness，robsmychildrenoftheirlawfulproperty？"

"Itistrue，thedukeisverygenerous，"saidMissHolland，composedly。"Heloadedmewithdiamondsandgold。"

"AndmeanwhileIwasdoomedalmosttosufferwant，"saidtheduchess，grindingherteeth。

"Wantoflove，itmaybe，mylady，butnotwantofmoney；foryouareverymagnificentlyfittedup；andeveryoneknowsthattheDuchessofNorfolkisrichenoughtobeabletosparethetriflesthatherhusbandlaidatmyfeet。ByHeaven！mylady，Iwouldnothavedeemeditworththetroubletostoopforthem，ifIhadnotseenamongthesetrifleshisheart。Theheartofamaniswellworthawoman\'sstoopingfor！Youhaveneglectedthat，mylady，andthereforeyoulostyourhusband\'sheart。Ipickeditup。Thatisall。Whywillyoumakeacrimeofthat？"

"Thatisenough！"criedtheduchess。"Itdoesnotbecomemetodisputewithyou；Idesireonlytoknowwhatgaveyouthecouragetocometome？"

"Mylady，doyouhatemeonly？Ordoyoualsohatethedukeyourhusband？"

"SheasksmewhetherIhatehim！"criedtheduchess，withawild，scornfullaugh。"Yes，MissHolland，yes！IhatehimasardentlyasI

despiseyou。IhatehimsomuchthatIwouldgivemywholeestate——

ay，yearsofmylife——ifIcouldpunishhimforthedisgracehehasputuponme。"

"Then，mylady，weshallsoonunderstandeachother；forItoohatehim，"saidMissHolland，quietlyseatingherselfonthevelvetdivan，andsmilingassheobservedthespeechlessastonishmentoftheduchess。

"Yes，mylady，Ihatehim；andwithoutdoubtstillmoreardently，stillmoreintenselythanyouyourself；forIamyoungandfiery；

youareold，andhavealwaysmanagedtopreserveacoolheart。"

Theduchesswasconvulsedwithrage；butsilently，andwithaneffort，shegulpeddownthedropofwormwoodwhichherwickedrivalmingledinthecupofjoywhichshepresentedtoher。

"Youdohatehim，MissHolland？"askedshe，joyfully。

"Ihatehim，andIhavecometoleaguemyselfwithyouagainsthim。

Heisatraitor，aperfidiouswretch，aperjurer。Iwilltakevengeanceformydisgrace！"

"Ah，hashethendesertedyoualso？"

"Hehasdesertedmealso。"

"Well，then，Godbepraised！"criedtheduchess，andherfacebeamedwithjoy。"Godisgreatandjust；andHehaspunishedyouwiththesameweaponswithwhichyousinned！Foryoursake，hedesertedme；

andforthesakeofanotherwoman，heforsakesyou。"

"Notso，mylady！"saidMissHolland，proudly。"Awomanlikemeisnotforsakenonaccountofawoman；andhewholovesmewilllovenootherafterme。There，readhisletter！"

Shehandedtheduchessherhusband\'sletter。

"Andwhatdoyouwanttodonow？"askedtheduchess，aftershehadreadit。

"Iwillhaverevenge，mylady！Hesayshenolongerhasahearttolove；well，now，wewillsomanage，thathemaynolongerhaveaheadtothink。Willyoubemyally，mylady？

Iwill。"

"AndIalsowillbe，"saidtheDuchessofRichmond，whojustthenopenedthedoorandcameoutoftheadjoiningroom。

Notawordofthisentireconversationhadescapedher，andsheverywellunderstoodthatthequestionwasnotaboutsomepettyvengeance，butherfather\'shead。SheknewthatMissHollandwasnotawomanthat，whenirritated，prickedwithapin；butonethatgraspedthedaggertostrikeherenemyamortalblow。

"Yes，Itoowillbeyourally，"criedtheDuchessofRichmond；"wehaveallthreebeenoutragedbythesameman。Let，then，ourrevengebeacommonone。Thefatherhasinsultedyou；theson，me。Well，then，Iwillhelpyoutostrikethefather，ifyouinreturnwillassistmetodestroytheson。"

"Iwillassistyou，"saidArabella，smiling；"forIalsohatethehaughtyEarlofSurrey，whoprideshimselfonhisvirtue，asifitwereagoldenfleecewhichGodhimselfhadstuckonhisbreast。I

hatehim；forhenevermeetsmebutwithprouddisregard；andhealoneistoblameforhisfather\'sfaithlessness。"

"Iwaspresentwhenwithtearshebesoughttheduke，ourfather，tofreehimselffromyourfetters，andgiveupthisshamefulanddisgracefulconnectionwithyou，"saidtheyoungduchess。

Arabellaanswerednothing。Butshepressedherhandsfirmlytogether，andaslightpalloroverspreadhercheeks。

"Andwhyareyouangrywithyourbrother？"askedtheoldduchess，thoughtfully。

"WhyamIangrywithhim，doyouask，mymother？Iamnotangrywithhim；butIexecratehim，andIhavesworntomyselfnevertoresttillIhaveavengedmyself。Myhappiness，myheart，andmyfuture，layinhishands；andhehasremorselesslytroddenunderhishaughtyfeetthese——hissister\'sprecioustreasures。ItlaywithhimtomakemethewifeofthemanIlove；andhehasnotdoneit，thoughIlayathisfeetweepingandwringingmyhands。"

"Butitwasagreatsacrificethatyoudemanded，"saidhermother。

"Hehadtogivehishandtoawomanhedidnotlove，sothatyoumightbeThomasSeymour\'swife。"

"Mother，youdefendhim；andyetheitisthatblamesyoudaily；andbutyesterdayitseemedtohimperfectlyrightandnaturalthatthedukehadforsakenyou，ourmother。"

"Didhedothat？"inquiredtheduchess，vehemently。"Well，now，ashehasforgottenthatIamhismother，sowillIforgetthatheismyson。Iamyourally！Revengeforourinjuredhearts！Vengeanceonfatherandson！"

Sheheldoutbothhands，andthetwoyoungwomenlaidtheirhandsinhers。

"Vengeanceonfatherandson！"repeatedtheyboth；andtheireyesflashed，andcrimsonnowmantledtheircheeks。

"Iamtiredoflivinglikeahermitinmypalace，andofbeingbanishedfromcourtbythefearthatImayencountermyhusbandthere。"

"Youshallencounterhimtherenomore，"saidherdaughter，laconically。

"Theyshallnotlaughandjeeratme，"criedArabella。"Andwhentheylearnthathehasforsakenme，theyshallalsoknowhowIhaveavengedmyselfforit。"

"ThomasSeymourcanneverbecomemyhusbandsolongasHenryHowardlives；forhehasmortallyoffendedhim，asHenryhasrejectedthehandofhissister。PerhapsImaybecomehiswife，ifHenryHowardisnomore，"saidtheyoungduchess。"Soletusconsider。Howshallwebegin，soastostrikethemsurelyandcertainly？"

"Whenthreewomenareagreed，theymaywellbecertainoftheirsuccess，"saidArabella，shrugginghershoulders。"Welive——Godbepraisedforit——underanobleandhigh-mindedking，whobeholdsthebloodofhissubjectswithasmuchpleasureashedoesthecrimsonofhisroyalmantle，andwhohasneveryetshrunkbackwhenadeath-

warrantwastobesigned。"

"Butthistimehewillshrinkback，"saidtheoldduchess。"Hewillnotdaretorobthenoblestandmostpowerfulfamilyofhiskingdomofitshead。"

"Thatveryriskwillstimulatehim，"saidtheDuchessofRichmond，laughing；"andthemoredifficultitistobringdowntheseheads，somuchthemoreimpatientlywillhehankerafterit。Thekinghatesthemboth，andhewillthankus，ifwechangehishatredintoretributivejustice。"

"Thenletusaccusebothofhightreason！"criedArabella。"Thedukeisatraitor；forIwillandcanswearthathehasoftenenoughcalledthekingabloodthirstytiger，arelentlesstyrant，amanwithouttruthandwithoutfaith，althoughhecoquettishlypretendstobethefountainandrockofallfaith。"

"Ifhehassaidthat，andyouhaveheardhim，youareindutyboundtocommunicateittotheking，ifyoudonotwanttobeatraitoressyourself，"exclaimedtheyoungduchess，solemnly。

"Andhaveyounotnoticedthatthedukehasforsometimebornethesamecoat-of-armsastheking？"askedtheDuchessofNorfolk。"Itisnotenoughforhishaughtyandambitiousspirittobethefirstservantofthisland；hestrivestobelordandkingofit。"

"Tellthattotheking，andbyto-morrowtheheadofthetraitorfalls。Forthekingisasjealousofhiskingdomaseverawomanwasofherlover。Tellhimthatthedukebearshiscoat-of-arms，andhisdestructioniscertain。"

"Iwilltellhimso，daughter。"

"Wearesureofthefather，butwhathavewefortheson？"

"Asureandinfalliblemeans，thatwillascertainlydispatchhimintoeternityasthehunter\'stinybulletslaystheproudeststag。

Henrylovesthequeen；andIwillfurnishthekingproofofthat，"

saidtheyoungduchess。

"Thenletusgototheking！"criedArabella，impetuously。

"No，indeed！Thatwouldmakeasensation，andmighteasilyfrustrateourwholeplan，"saidtheDuchessofRichmond。"LetusfirsttalkwithEarlDouglas，andhearhisadvice。Come；everyminuteisprecious！Weoweittoourwomanlyhonortoavengeourselves。Wecannotandwillnotleaveunpunishedthosewhohavedespisedourlove，woundedourhonor，andtroddenunderfoottheholiesttiesofnature！"

CHAPTERXXVII。

THEACKNOWLEDGMENT。

ThePrincessElizabethwassittinginherroom，melancholyandabsorbedinthought。Hereyeswereredwithweeping；andshepressedherhandonherheart，asifshewouldrepressitscryofanguish。

Withadisconsolate，perplexedlookshegazedaroundherchamber，anditssolitudewasdoublypainfultoherto-day，forittestifiedtoherforsakencondition，tothedisgracethatstillrestedonher。

Forwereitnotso，to-daywouldhavebeentothewholecourtadayofrejoicing，ofcongratulations。

To-daywasElizabeth\'sbirthday；fourteenyearsagoto-day，AnneBoleyn\'sdaughterhadseenthelightofthisworld。

"AnneBoleyn\'sdaughter！"Thatwasthesecretofherseclusion。Thatwaswhynoneoftheladiesandlordsofthecourthadrememberedherbirthday；forthatwouldhavebeenatthesametimearemembranceofAnneBoleyn，ofElizabeth\'sbeautifulandunfortunatemother，whohadbeenmadetoatoneforhergrandeurandprosperitybyherdeath。

Moreover，thekinghadcalledhisdaughterElizabethabastard，andsolemnlydeclaredherunworthyofsucceedingtothethrone。

Herbirthday，therefore，wastoElizabethonlyadayofhumiliationandpain。Recliningonherdivan，shethoughtofherdespisedandjoylesspast，ofherdesolateandingloriousfuture。

Shewasaprincess，andyetpossessednottherightsofherbirth；

shewasayoungmaiden，andyetdoomed，insadresignation，torenounceallthedelightsandenjoymentsofyouth，andtocondemnherpassionateandardenthearttotheeternalsleepofdeath。ForwhentheInfanteofSpainsuedforherhand，HenrytheEighthhaddeclaredthatthebastardElizabethwasunworthyofaprincelyhusband。Butinordertointimidateothersuitorsalso，hehadloudlyandopenlydeclaredthatnosubjectshoulddarebesopresumptuousastoofferhishandtooneofhisroyaldaughters，andhewhodaredtosolicittheminmarriageshouldbepunishedasatraitor。

SoElizabethwascondemnedtoremainunmarried；andneverthelesssheloved；neverthelesssheharboredonlythisonewish，tobethewifeofherbeloved，andtobeabletoexchangetheproudtitleofprincessforthenameofCountessSeymour。

Sinceshelovedhim，anewworld，anewsunhadarisenonher；andbeforethesweetandenchantingwhispersofherlove，eventheproudandalluringvoicesofherambitionhadtobesilent。Shenolongerthoughtofit，thatshewouldneverbeaqueen；shewasonlytroubledthatshecouldnotbeSeymour\'swife。

Shenolongerwantedtorule，butshewantedtobehappy。Butherhappinessreposedonhimalone——onThomasSeymour。

Suchwereherthoughts，asshewasinherchamberonthemorningofherbirthday，aloneandlonely；andhereyesreddenedbytears，herpainfullyconvulsedlips，betrayedhowmuchshehadweptto-day；howmuchthisyounggirloffourteenyearshadalreadysuffered。

Butshewouldthinknomoreaboutit；shewouldnotallowthelurking，everywhere-prying，malicious，andwickedcourtiersthetriumphofseeingthetracesofhertears，andrejoicingatherpainsandherhumiliation。Shewasaproudandresolutesoul；shewouldratherhavediedthantohaveacceptedthesympathyandpityofthecourtiers。

"Iwillwork，"saidshe。"Workisthebestbalmforallpains。"

Andshetookuptheelaboratesilkembroiderywhichshehadbegunforherpoor，unfortunatefriend，AnneofCleves，Henry\'sdivorcedwife。Buttheworkoccupiedonlyherfingers，notherthoughts。

Shethrewitasideandseizedherbooks。ShetookPetrarch\'sSonnets；andhisloveplaintsandgriefsenchainedandstirredherownlove-sickheart。

Withstreamingtears，andyetsmilingandfullofsweetmelancholy，Elizabethreadthesenobleandtenderpoems。ItappearedtoherasifPetrarchhadonlysaidwhatsheherselfsowarmlyfelt。Therewereherthoughts，hergriefs。Hehadsaidtheminhislanguage；shemustnowrepeattheminherown。Sheseatedherself，andwithhandstremblingwithenthusiasm，flutteringbreath，perfectlyexcitedandglowing，ingladhasteshebeganatranslationofPetrarch\'sfirstsonnet。[Footnote:Elizabeth，whoevenasagirloftwelveyearsoldspokefourlanguages，wasveryfondofcomposingverses，andoftranslatingthepoemsofforeignauthors。Butshekeptherskillinthisrespectverysecret，andwasalwaysveryangryifanyonebychancesawoneofherpoems。Afterherdeaththerewerefoundamongherpapersmanytranslations，especiallyofPetrarch\'sSonnets，whichweretheworkofherearliestyouth——Leti，vol。i，p。150。]A

loudknockinterruptedher；andinthehastilyopeneddoornowappearedthelovelyformofthequeen。

"Thequeen！"exclaimedElizabethwithdelight。"Haveyoucometomeatsuchanearlymorninghour？"

"AndshouldIwaittilleveningtowishmyElizabethhappinessonherfestival？ShouldIfirstletthesungodownonthisday，whichgavetoEnglandsonobleandsofairaprincess？"askedCatharine。

"Oryouthought，perhaps，Ididnotknowthatthiswasyourbirthday，andthatto-daymyElizabethadvancesfromtheyearsofchildhood，asaproudmaidenfullofhope？"

"Fullofhope？"saidElizabeth，sadly。"AnneBoleyn\'sdaughterhasnohopes:andwhenyouspeakofmybirthday，youremindmeatthesametimeofmydespisedbirth！"

"Itshallbedespisednolonger！"saidCatharine，and，assheputherarmtenderlyaroundElizabeth\'sneck，shehandedherarollofparchment。

"Takethat，Elizabeth；andmaythispaperbetoyouthepromiseofajoyfulandbrilliantfuture！Atmyrequest，thekinghasmadethislaw，andhethereforegrantedmethepleasureofbringingittoyou。"

Elizabethopenedtheparchmentandread，andaradiantexpressionoverspreadhercountenance。

"Acknowledged！Iamacknowledged！"criedshe。"Thedisgraceofmybirthistakenaway！Elizabethisnomoreabastard——sheisaroyalprincess！"

"Andshemaysomedaybeaqueen！"saidCatharine，smiling。

"Oh，"criedElizabeth，"itisnotthatwhichstirsmewithsuchjoy。

Butthedisgraceofmybirthistakenaway；andImayfreelyholdupmyheadandnamemymother\'sname！Nowthoumaystsleepcalmlyinthygrave，foritisnolongerdishonored！AnneBoleynwasnostrumpet；shewasKingHenry\'slawfulwife，andElizabethistheking\'slegitimatedaughter！IthankThee，myGod——IthankThee！"Andtheyoung，passionategirlthrewherselfonherknees，andraisedherhandsandhereyestoheaven。

"Spiritofmyglorifiedmother，"saidshe，solemnly，"Icallthee！

Cometome！Overshadowmewiththysmile，andblessmewiththybreath！QueenAnneofEngland，thydaughterisnolongerabastard，andnoonedaresventuremoretoinsulther。ThouwertwithmewhenIweptandsuffered，mymother；andofteninmydisgraceandhumiliation，itwasasifIheardthyvoice，whichwhisperedcomforttome；asifIsawthyheavenlyeyes，whichpouredpeaceandloveintomybreast！Oh，abidewithmenowalso，mymother——now，whenmydisgraceistakenaway，abidewithmeinmyprosperity；andguardmyheart，thatitmaybekeptpurefromarroganceandpride，andremainhumbleinitsjoy！AnneBoleyn，theylaidthybeautiful，innocentheadupontheblock；butthisparchmentsetsuponitagaintheroyalcrown；andwoe，woetothosewhowillnowstilldareinsultthymemory！"

Shesprangfromherkneesandrushedtothewallopposite，onwhichwasalargeoilpainting，whichrepresentedElizabethherselfasachildplayingwithadog。

"Oh，mother，mother！"saidshe，"thispicturewasthelastearthlythingonwhichthylooksrested；andtothesepaintedlipsofthychildthougavestthylastkiss，whichthycruelhangmanwouldnotallowtothylivingchild。Oh，letmesipupthislastkissfromthatspot；letmetouchwithmymouththespotthatthylipshaveconsecrated！"

Shebentdownandkissedthepicture。

"Andnowcomeforthoutofthygrave，mymother，"saidshe，solemnly。"Ihavebeenobligedsolongtohide，solongtoveilthee！Nowthoubelongesttotheworldandtothelight！Thekinghasacknowledgedmeashislawfuldaughter；hecannotrefusemetohavealikenessofmymotherinmyroom。"

Asshethusspoke，shepressedonaspringsetinthebroadgiltframeofthepicture；andsuddenlythepaintingwasseentomoveandslowlyopenlikeadoor，soastorendervisibleanotherpictureconcealedbeneathit，whichrepresentedtheunfortunateAnneBoleyninbridalattire，inthefullsplendorofherbeauty，asHolbeinhadpaintedher，atthedesireofherhusbandtheking。

"Howbeautifulandangelicthatcountenanceis！"saidCatharine，steppingnearer。"Howinnocentandpurethosefeatures！Poorqueen！

Yetthineenemiessucceededincastingsuspicionontheeandbringingtheetothescaffold。Oh，whenIbeholdthee，Ishudder；

andmyownfuturerisesupbeforemelikeathreateningspectre！Whocanbelieveherselfsafeandsecure，whenAnneBoleynwasnotsecure；whenevenshehadtodieadishonorabledeath？Ah，dobutbelieveme，Elizabeth，itisamelancholylottobeQueenofEngland；andoftenindeedhaveIaskedthemorningwhetherI，asstillQueenofEngland，shallgreettheevening。Butno——wewillnottalkofmyselfinthishour，butonlyofyou，Elizabeth——ofyourfutureandofyourfortune。Maythisdocumentbeacceptabletoyou，andrealizeallthewishesthatslumberinyourbosom！"

"Onegreatwishofmineithasfulfilledalready，"saidElizabeth，stilloccupiedwiththepicture。"Itallowsmetoshowmymother\'slikenessunveiled！ThatIcouldonedaydosowasherlastprayerandlastwish，whichsheintrustedtoJohnHeywoodforme。Tohimshecommittedthispicture。Healoneknewthesecretofit，andhehasfaithfullypreservedit。"

"Oh，JohnHeywoodisatrustyandtruefriend，"saidCatharine，heartily；"anditwashewhoassistedmeinincliningthekingtoourplanandinpersuadinghimtoacknowledgeyou。"

WithanunutterableexpressionElizabethpresentedbothhandstoher。"Ithankyouformyhonor，andthehonorofmymother，"saidshe；"Iwillloveyouforitasadaughter；andnevershallyourenemiesfindwithmeanopenearandawillingheart。Letustwoconcludewitheachotheraleagueoffensiveanddefensive！Lotuskeeptruetoeachother；andtheenemiesoftheoneshallbetheenemiesoftheotheralso。Andwhereweseedangerwewillcombatitincommon；andwewillwatchovereachotherwithatruesisterlyeye，andwarnoneanotherwheneverachanceflashbringstolightanenemywhoisstealingalonginthedarkness，andwantswithhisdaggertoassassinateusfrombehind。"

"Sobeit！"saidCatharine，solemnly。"Wewillremaininseparable，andtruetooneanother，andloveeachotherassisters！"

AndassheimprintedawarmkissonElizabeth\'slips，shecontinued:

"Butnow，princess，directyourlooksoncemoretothatdocument，ofwhichatfirstyoureadonlythebeginning。Dobutbelieveme，itisimportantenoughforyoutoreaditquitetotheend；foritcontainsvariousarrangementsforyourfuture，andsettlesonyouasuiteandayearlyallowance，asissuitableforaroyalprincess。"

"Oh，whatcareIforthesethings？"criedElizabeth，merrily。"Thatismymajor-domo\'sconcern，andhemayattendtoit。"

"Butthereisyetanotherparagraphthatwillinterestyoumore，"

saidCatharine，withaslightsmile；"foritisafullandcompletereparationtomyproudandambitiousElizabeth。YourecollecttheanswerwhichyourfathergavetotheKingofFrancewhenhesolicitedyourhandforthedauphin？"

"DoIrecollectit！"criedElizabeth，herfeaturesquicklybecominggloomy。"KingHenrysaid:\'AnneBoleyn\'sdaughterisnotworthytoacceptthehandofaroyalprince。\'"

"Well，then，Elizabeth，thatthereparationmadetoyoumaybecomplete，theking，whilehegrantsyouyourlawfultitleandhonor，hasdecreedthatyouarepermittedtomarryonlyahusbandofequalbirth；togiveyourhandonlytoaroyalprince，ifyouwouldpreserveyourrightofsucceedingtothethrone，Oh，certainly，therecouldbenomorecompleterecantationoftheaffrontonceputuponyou。Andthatheconsentedtodothis，youowetotheeloquentintercessionofatrueandtrustyfriend；youhaveJohnHeywoodtothankforit。"

"JohnHeywood！"criedElizabeth，inabittertone。

"Oh，Ithankyou，queen，thatitwasnotyouwhodeterminedmyfathertothisdecision。JohnHeywooddidit，andyoucallhimmyfriend？Yousaythatheisatrueanddevotedservanttousboth？

Bewareofhisfidelity，queen，andbuildnotonhisdevotedness；forItellyouhissoulisfulloffalsehood；andwhileheappearstobowbeforeyouinhumbleness，hiseyesareonlysearchingfortheplaceonyourheelwherehecanstrikeyoumostsurelyandmostmortally。Oh，heisaserpent，avenomousserpent；andhehasjustwoundedmemortallyandincurably。Butno，"continuedshe，energetically，"Iwillnotsubmittothisfraud；Iwillnotbetheslaveofthisinjuriouslaw！Iwillbefreetoloveandtohateasmyheartdemands；Iwillnotbeshackled，norbecompelledtorenouncethisman，whomIperhapslove，andtomarrythatone，whomIperhapsabhor。"

Withanexpressionoffirm，energeticresolve，shetooktherollofparchmentandhandeditbacktoCatharine。"Queen，takethisparchmentbackagain；returnittomyfather，andtellhimthatI

thankhimforhisprovidentgoodness，butwilldeclinethebrilliantlotwhichthisactoffersme。Ilovefreedomsomuch，thatevenaroyalcrowncannotalluremewhenIamtoreceiveitwithmyhandsboundandmyheartnotfree。"

"Poorchild！"sighedCatharine，"youknownot，then，thattheroyalcrownalwaysbindsusinfettersandcompressesourheartinironclamps？Ah，youwanttobefree，andyetaqueen！Oh，believeme，Elizabeth，nonearelessfreethansovereigns！Noonehaslesstherightandthepowertoliveaccordingtothedictatesofhisheartthanaprince。"

"Then，"exclaimedElizabeth，withflashingeyes，"thenIrenouncethemelancholyfortuneofbeing，perchance，onedayqueen。ThenIdonotsubscribetothislaw，whichwantstoguidemyheartandlimitmywill。What！shallthedaughterofKingHenryofEnglandallowherwaystobetracedoutbyamiserablestripofparchment？andshallasheetofpaperbeabletointrudeitselfbetweenmeandmyheart？I

amaroyalprincess；andwhywilltheycompelmetogivemyhandonlytoaking\'sson？Ay，youareright；itisnotmyfatherthathasmadethislaw，formyfather\'sproudsoulhasneverbeenwillingtosubmittoanysuchconstraintofmiserableetiquette。Hehaslovedwherehepleased；andnoParliament——nolaw——hasbeenabletohinderhiminthisrespect。Iwillbemyfather\'sowndaughter。I

willnotsubmittothislaw！"

"Poorchild！"saidCatharine，"neverthelessyouwillbeobligedtolearnwellhowtosubmit；foroneisnotaprincesswithoutpayingforit。Nooneaskswhetherourheartbleeds。Theythrowapurplerobeoverit，andthoughitbereddenedwithourheart\'sblood，whothenseesandsuspectsit？Youareyetsoyoung，Elizabeth；youyethopesomuch！"

"Ihopesomuch，becauseIhavealreadysufferedsomuch——myeyeshavebeenalreadymadetoshedsomanytears。Ihavealreadyinmychildhoodhadtotakebefore-handmyshareofthepainandsorrowoflife；nowIwilldemandmyshareoflife\'spleasureandenjoymentalso。"

"Andwhotellsyouthatyoushallnothaveit？Thisloveforcesonyounoparticularhusband；itbutgivesyoutheproudright，oncedisputed，ofseekingyourhusbandamongtheprincesofroyalblood。"

"Oh，"criedElizabeth，withflashingeyes，"ifIshouldeverreallybeaqueen，IshouldbeproudertochooseahusbandwhomImightmakeaking，thansuchaoneaswouldmakemeaqueen。[Footnote:

Elizabeth\'sownwords，——Leti，vol。ii，p。62。]Oh，sayyourself，Catharine，mustitnotbeahighandnoblepleasuretoconfergloryandgreatnessononewelove，toraisehimintheomnipotenceofourlovehighaboveallothermen，andtolayourowngreatness，ourownglory，humblyathisfeet，thathemaybeadornedtherewithandmakehisownpossessionwhatisours？"

"ByHeaven，youareasproudandambitiousasaman！"saidCatharine，smiling。"Yourfather\'sowndaughter！SothoughtHenrywhenhegavehishandtoAnneBoleyn；sothoughthewhenheexaltedmetobehisqueen。Butitbehooveshimthustothinkandact，forheisaman。"

"Hethoughtthus，becauseheloved——notbecausehewasaman。"

"Andyou，too，Elizabeth——doyou，too，thinkthusbecauseyoulove？"

"Yes，Ilove！"exclaimedElizabeth，aswithanimpulsivemovementshethrewherselfintoCatharine\'sarms，andhidherblushingfaceinthequeen\'sbosom。"Yes，Ilove！Ilovelikemyfather——

regardlessofmyrank，ofmybirth；butfeelingonlythatmyloverisofequallyhighbirthinthenobilityofhissentiment，inhisgeniusandnoblemind；thatheismysuperiorinallthegreatandfinequalitieswhichshouldadornaman，andyetareconferredonsofew。Judgenow，queen，whetherthatlawtherecanmakemehappy。HewhomIloveisnoprince——nosonofaking。"

"PoorElizabeth！"saidCatharine，claspingtheyounggirlferventlyinherarms。

"Andwhydoyoubewailmyfate，whenitisinyourpowertomakemehappy？"askedElizabeth，urgently。

"Itwasyouwhoprevailedonthekingtorelievemeofthedisgracethatrestedonme；youwillalsohavepoweroverhimtosetasidethisclausewhichcontainsmyheart\'ssentenceofcondemnation。"

Catharineshookherheadwithasigh。"Mypowerdoesnotreachsofar，"saidshe，sadly。"Ah，Elizabeth，whydidyounotputconfidenceinme？Whydidyounotletmeknowsoonerthatyourheartcherishedalovewhichisinoppositiontothislaw？Whydidyounottellyourfriendyourdangeroussecret？"

"JustbecauseitisdangerousIconcealeditfromyou；andjustonthataccountIdonotevennowmentionthenameofthelovedone。

Queen，youshallnotthroughmebecomeaguiltytraitoressagainstyourhusband；foryouwellknowthathepunisheseverysecretconcealedfromhimasanactofhightreason。No，queen；ifIamacriminal，youshallnothemyaccomplice。Ah，itisalwaysdangeroustobetheconfidantofsuchasecret。YouseethatinJohnHeywood。

Healonewasmyconfidant，andhebetrayedme。Imyselfputtheweaponsintohishands，andheturnedthemagainstme。"

"No，no，"saidCatharine，thoughtfully；"JohnHeywoodistrueandtrusty，andincapableoftreachery。"

"Hehasbetrayedme！"exclaimedElizabeth，impetuously。"Heknew——heonly——thatIlove，andthatmybeloved，thoughofnoble，stillisnotofprincelybirth。Yetitwashe，asyousaidyourself，whomovedthekingtointroducethisparagraphintotheactofsuccession。"

"Then，withoutdoubt，hehaswishedtosaveyoufromanerrorofyourheart。"

"No，hehasbeenafraidofthedangerofbeingprivytothissecret，andatthecostofmyheartandmyhappinesshewantedtoescapethisdanger。Butoh，Catharine，youareanoble，greatandstrongwoman；youareincapableofsuchpettyfear——suchlowcalculation；

therefore，standbyme；bemysaviorandprotectress！Byvirtueofthatoathwhichwehavejustnowmutuallytaken——byvirtueofthatmutualclaspofthehandsjustgiven——Icallyoutomyhelpandmyassistance。Oh，Catharine，allowmethishighpleasure，sofullofblessing，ofbeingatsometime，perhaps，abletomakehimwhomI

lovegreatandpowerfulbymywill。Allowmethisintoxicatingdelightofbeingablewithmyhandtooffertohisambitionatoncepowerandglory——itmaybeevenacrown。Oh，Catharine，onmykneesIconjureyou——assistmetorepealthishatedlaw，whichwantstobindmyheartandmyhand！"

Inpassionateexcitementshehadfallenbeforethequeen，andwasholdingupherhandsimploringlytoher。

Catharine，smiling，bentdownandraisedherupinherarms。

"Enthusiast，"saidshe，"pooryoungenthusiast！Whoknowswhetheryouwillthankmeforitoneday，ifIaccedetoyourwish；andwhetheryouwillnotsometimecursethishourwhichhasbroughtyou，perhaps，insteadofthehoped-forpleasure，onlyaknowledgeofyourdelusionandmisery？"

"Andwereitevenso，"criedElizabeth，energetically，"stillitisbettertoendureawretchednessweourselveshavechosen，thantobeforcedtoahappylot。Say，Catharine——say，willyoulendmeyourassistance？Willyouinducethekingtowithdrawthishatedclause？

Ifyoudoitnot，queen，Isweartoyou，bythesoulofmymother，thatIwillnotsubmittothislaw；thatIwillsolemnly，beforealltheworld，renouncetheprivilegethatisofferedme；thatI——"

"Youareadear，foolishchild，"interruptedCatharine——"achild，thatinyouthfulpresumptionmightdarewishtofetchthelightningsdownfromheaven，andborrowfromJupiterhisthunderbolt。Oh，youarestilltooyoungandinexperiencedtoknowthatfateregardsnotourmurmursandoursighs，and，despiteourreluctanceandourrefusal，stillleadsusinitsownways，notourown。Youwillhavetolearnthatyet，poorchild！"

"ButIwillnot！"criedElizabeth，stampingonthefloorwithallthepettishnessofachild。"Iwillnoteverandeternallybethevictimofanother\'swill；andfateitselfshallnothavepowertomakemeitsslave！"

"Well，wewillseenow，"saidCatharine，smiling。"Wewilltrythistime，atleast，tocontendagainstfate；andIwillassistyouifI

can。"

"AndIwillloveyouforitasmymotherandmysisteratonce，"

criedElizabeth，aswithardorshethrewherselfintoCatharine\'sarms。"Yes，Iwillloveyouforit；andIwillprayGodthatHemayonedaygivemetheopportunitytoshowmygratitude，andtorewardyouforyourmagnanimityandgoodness。"

CHAPTERXXVIII。

INTRIGUES。

Forafewdayspasttheking\'sgouthadgrownworse，and，tohiswrathandgrief，itconfinedhimasaprisonertohisrollingchair。

Thekingwas，therefore，verynaturallygloomyanddejected，andhurledthelightningsofhiswrathonallthosewhoenjoyedthemelancholyprerogativeofbeinginhispresence。Hispains，insteadofsofteninghisdisposition，seemedonlytoheightenstillmorehisnaturalferocity；andoftenmightheheardthroughthepalaceofWhitehalltheking\'sangrygrowl，andhisloud，thunderinginvectives，whichnolongersparedanyone，norshowedrespectforanyrankordignity。

EarlDouglas，Gardiner，andWriothesleyverywellknewhowtotakeadvantageofthiswrathfulhumorofthekingfortheirpurposes，andtoaffordthecruelmonarch，torturedwithpain，onesatisfactionatleast——thesatisfactionofmakingotherssufferalso。

NeverhadtherebeenseeninEnglandsomanyburntatthestakeasinthosedaysoftheking\'ssickness；neverhadtheprisonsbeensocrowded；neverhadsomuchbloodflowedasKingHenrynowcausedtobeshed。[Footnote:Duringtheking\'sreign，andattheinstigationoftheclergy，twenty-eighthundredpersonswereburntandexecuted，becausetheywouldnotrecognizethereligiousinstitutionsestablishedbythekingastheonlyrightandtrueones——Leti，vol。

i，p。34。]Butallthisdidnotyetsufficetoappeasetheblood-

thirstinessoftheking，andhisfriendsandcounsellors，andhispriests。

StillthereremaineduntouchedtwomightypillarsofProtestantismthatGardinerandWriothesleyhadtooverthrow。ThesewerethequeenandArchbishopCranmer。

StillthereweretwopowerfulandhatedenemieswhomtheSeymourshadtoovercome；theseweretheDukeofNorfolkandhisson，theEarlofSurrey。

Butthevariouspartiesthatinturnbesiegedtheking\'searandcontrolledit，wereinsingularandunheard-ofopposition，andatthesametimeinflamedwithbitterestenmity，andtheystrovetosupplanteachotherinthefavoroftheking。

TothepopishpartyofGardinerandEarlDouglas，everythingdependedondispossessingtheSeymoursoftheking\'sfavor；andthey，ontheotherhand，wantedaboveallthingstocontinueinpowertheyoungqueen，alreadyinclinedtothem，andtodestroyforthepapistsoneoftheirmostpowerfulleaders，theDukeofNorfolk。

Theonepartycontrolledtheking\'searthroughthequeen；theother，throughhisfavorite，EarlDouglas。

Neverhadthekingbeenmoregraciousandaffabletohisconsort——

neverhadherequiredmoreEarlDouglas\'spresencethaninthosedaysofhissicknessandbodilyanguish。

Buttherewasyetathirdpartythatoccupiedanimportantplaceintheking\'sfavor——apowerwhicheveryonefeared，andwhichseemedtokeepitselfperfectlyindependentandfreefromallforeigninfluences。ThispowerwasJohnHeywood，theking\'sfool，theepigrammatist，whowasdreadedbythewholecourt。

Onlyonepersonhadinfluencewithhim。JohnHeywoodwasthefriendofthequeen。Forthemoment，then，itappearedasifthe"hereticalparty，"ofwhichthequeenwasregardedasthehead，wasthemostpowerfulatcourt。

Itwasthereforeverynaturalforthepopishpartytocherishanardenthatredagainstthequeen；verynaturalforthemtobecontrivingnewplotsandmachinationstoruinherandhurlherfromthethrone。

ButCatharineknewverywellthedangerthatthreatenedher，andshewasonherguard。Shewatchedhereverylook，hereveryword；andGardinerandDouglascouldnotexaminethequeen\'smanneroflifeeachdayandhourmoresuspiciouslythansheherselfdid。

Shesawtheswordthathungdailyoverherhead；and，thankstoherprudenceandpresenceofmind，thankstotheever-thoughtfulwatchfulnessandcunningofherfriendHeywood！shehadstillknownhowtoavoidthefallingofthatsword。

SincethatfatalrideinthewoodofEppingForest，shehadnotagainspokentoThomasSeymouralone；forCatharineverywellknewthateverywhere，whithersoeversheturnedhersteps，somespyingeyemightfollowher，somelistener\'searmightbeconcealed，whichmighthearherwords，howeversoftlywhispered，andrepeatthemwheretheymightbeinterpretedintoasentenceofdeathagainsther。

Shehad，therefore，renouncedthepleasureofspeakingtoherloverotherwisethanbeforewitnesses，andofseeinghimotherwisethaninthepresenceofherwholecourt。

Whatneedhadsheeitherforsecretmeetings？Whatmatteredittoherpureandinnocentheartthatshewasnotpermittedtobealonewithhim？Stillshemightseehim，anddrinkcourageanddelightfromthesightofhishaughtyandhandsomeface；stillshemightbenearhim，andcouldlistentothemusicofhisvoice，andintoxicateherheartwithhisfine，euphoniousandvigorousdiscourse。

Catharine，thewomanofeight-and-twenty，hadpreservedtheenthusiasmandinnocenceofayounggirloffourteen。ThomasSeymourwasherfirstlove；andshelovedhimwiththatpurityandguilelesswarmthwhichisindeedpeculiartothefirstloveonly。

Itsufficedher，therefore，toseehim；tobenearhim；toknowthathelovedher；thathewastruetoher；thatallhisthoughtsandwishesbelongedtoher，asherstohim。

Andthatsheknew。Forthereeverremainedtoherthesweetenjoymentofhisletters——ofthosepassionatelywrittenavowalsofhislove。Ifshewasnotpermittedtosayalsotohimhowwarmlyandardentlyshereturnedthislove，yetshecouldwriteittohim。

ItwasJohnHeywood，thetrueanddiscreetfriend，thatbroughthertheseletters，andboreheranswerstohim，stipulating，asarewardforthisdangerouscommission，thattheybothshouldregardhimasthesoleconfidantoftheirlove；thatbothshouldburnuptheletterswhichhebroughtthem。HehadnotbeenabletohinderCatharinefromthisunhappypassion，butwantedatleasttopreserveherfromthefatalconsequencesofit。Sinceheknewthatthisloveneededaconfidant，heassumedthisrole，thatCatharine，inthevehemenceofherpassionandinthesimplicityofherinnocentheart，mightnotmakeotherssharersofherdangeroussecret。

JohnHeywoodthereforewatchedoverCatharine\'ssafetyandhappiness，asshewatchedoverThomasSeymourandherfriends。Heprotectedandguardedherwiththeking，assheguardedCranmer，andprotectedhimfromtheconstantlyrenewedassaultsofhisenemies。

Thisitwasthattheycouldneverforgivethequeen——thatshehaddeliveredCranmer，thenobleandliberal-mindedArchbishopofCanterbury，fromtheirsnares。MorethanonceCatharinehadsucceededindestroyingtheirintriguingschemes，andinrendingthenetsthatGardinerandEarlDouglas，withsoslyandskilfulahand，hadspreadforCranmer。

If，therefore，theywouldoverthrowCranmer，theymustfirstoverthrowthequeen。Forthistherewasarealmeans——ameansofdestroyingatoncethequeenandthehatedSeymours，whostoodinthewayofthepapists。

IftheycouldprovetothekingthatCatharineentertainedcriminalintercoursewithThomasSeymour，thenweretheybothlost；thenwerethepowerandgloryofthepapistssecured。

Butwhencetofetchtheproofsofthisdangeroussecret，whichthecraftyDouglashadreadonlyinCatharine\'seyes，andforwhichhehadnoothersupportthanhisbareconviction？Howshouldtheybegintoinfluencethequeentosomeinconsideratestep，toaspeakingwitnessofherlove？

Timehungsoheavilyontheking\'shands！Itwouldhavebeensoeasytopersuadehimtosomecrueldeed——toahastysentenceofdeath！

ButitwasnotthebloodoftheSeymoursforwhichthekingthirsted。EarlDouglasverywellknewthat。Hewhoobservedthekingdayandnight——hewhoexaminedandsoundedhiseverysigh，eachofhissoftlymurmuredwords，everytwitchofhismouth，everywrinkleofhisbrow——hewellknewwhatdarkandbloodythoughtsstirredtheking\'ssoul，andwhoseblooditwasforwhichhethirsted。

TheroyaltigerwoulddrinkthebloodoftheHowards；andthattheystilllivedinhealth，andabundance，andglory，whilehe，theirkingandmaster，lonelyandsad，wastossingonhiscouchinpainandagony——thatwasthewormwhichgnawedattheking\'sheart，whichmadehispainsyetmorepainful，historturesyetkeener。

Thekingwasjealous——jealousofthepowerandgreatnessoftheHowards。ItfilledhimwithgloomyhatredtothinkthattheDukeofNorfolk，whenherodethroughthestreetsofLondon，waseverywherereceivedwiththeacclamationsandrejoicingofthepeople，whilehe，theking，wasaprisonerinhispalace。ItwasagnawingpainforhimtoknowthatHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，waspraisedasthehandsomestandgreatestmanofEngland；thathewascalledthenoblestpoet；thegreatestscholar；whileyethe，theking，hadalsocomposedhispoemsandwrittenhislearnedtreatises，aye，evenaparticulardevoutbook，whichhehadprintedforhispeople，andorderedthemtoreadinsteadoftheBible。[Footnote:Burnet，vol。

i，p。95。]

ItwastheHowardswhoeverywheredisputedhisfame。TheHowardssupplantedhiminthefavorofhispeople，andusurpedtheloveandadmirationwhichwereduetothekingalone，andwhichshouldbedirectedtowardnoonebuthim。Helayonhisbedofpain，andwithoutdoubtthepeoplewouldhaveforgottenhim，ifhehadnotbytheblock，thestake，andthescaffold，dailyremindedthemofhimself。Helayonhisbedofpain，whiletheduke，splendidandmagnificent，exhibitedhimselftothepeopleandtransportedthemwithenthusiasmbythelavishandkinglygenerositywithwhichhescatteredhismoneyamongthepopulace。

Yes，theDukeofNorfolkwastheking\'sdangerousrival。ThecrownwasnotsecureuponhisheadsolongastheHowardslived。Andwhocouldconjecturewhetherintimetocome，whenHenryclosedhiseyes，theexultantloveofthepeoplemightnotcalltothethronetheDukeofNorfolk，orhisnobleson，theEarlofSurrey，insteadoftherightfulheir——insteadofthelittleboyEdward，Henry\'sonlyson？

Whenthekingthoughtofthat，hehadafeelingasthoughastreamoffirewerewhirlinguptohisbrain；andheconvulsivelyclenchedhishands，andscreamedandroaredthathewouldtakevengeance——

vengeanceonthosehatedHowards，whowantedtosnatchthecrownfromhisson。

Edward，thelittleboyoftenderage——healonewasthedivinelyconsecrated，legitimateheirtotheking\'scrown。Ithadcosthisfathersogreatasacrificetogivehispeoplethissonandsuccessor！Inordertodoit，hehadsacrificedJaneSeymour，hisownbelovedwife；hehadletthemotherbeputtodeath，inordertopreservetheson，theheirofhiscrown。

AndthepeopledidnotoncethankthekingforthissacrificethatJaneSeymour\'shusbandhadmadeforthem。ThepeoplereceivedwithshoutstheDukeofNorfolk，thefatherofthatadulterousqueenwhomHenrylovedsomuchthatherinfidelityhadstruckhimlikethestabofapoisoneddagger。

Thesewerethethoughtsthatoccupiedthekingonhisbedofpain，anduponwhichhedweltwithallthewilfulnessandmoodinessofasickman。

"WeshallhavetosacrificetheseHowardstohim！"saidEarlDouglastoGardiner，astheyhadjustagainlistenedtoaburstofragefromtheirroyalmaster。"Ifwewouldatlastsucceedinruiningthequeen，wemustfirstdestroytheHowards。"

Thepiousbishoplookedathiminquiringly，andinastonishment。

EarlDouglassmiled。"Yourhighnessistooexaltedandnobletobealwaysabletocomprehendthethingsofthisworld。Yourlook，whichseeksonlyGodandheaven，doesnotalwaysseethepettyandpitifulthingsthathappenhereontheearthbelow。"

"Oh，but，"saidGardiner，withacruelsmile，"Iseethem，anditcharmsmyeyewhenIseehowGod\'svengeancepunishestheenemiesoftheChurchhereonearth。Setupthen，byallmeans，astakeorascaffoldfortheseHowards，iftheirdeathcanbetousameanstoourpiousandgodlyend。Youarecertainofmyblessingandmyassistance。OnlyIdonotquitecomprehendhowtheHowardscanstandinthewayofourplotswhichareformedagainstthequeen，inasmuchastheyarenumberedamongthequeen\'senemies，andprofessthemselvesoftheChurchinwhichaloneissalvation。"

"TheEarlofSurreyisanapostate，whohasopenedhisearandhearttothedoctrinesofCalvin！"

"Thenlethisheadfall，forheisacriminalbeforeGod，andnooneoughttohavecompassiononhim！Andwhatistherethatwelaytothechargeofthefather？"

"TheDukeofNorfolkiswell-nighyetmoredangerousthanhisson；

foralthoughaCatholic，hehasnotneverthelesstherightfaith；

andhissoulisfullofunholysympathyandinjuriousmildness。HebewailsthosewhosebloodisshedbecausetheyweredevotedtothefalsedoctrineofthepriestsofBaal；and-hecallsusboththeking\'sblood-hounds。"

"Well，then，criedGardinerwithanuneasy，dismalsmile，"wewillshowhimthathehascalledusbytherightname；wewillrendhiminpieces！"

"Besides，aswehavesaid，theHowardsstandinthewayofourschemesinrelationtothequeen，"saidEarlDouglas，earnestly。

"Theking\'smindissocompletelyfilledwiththisonehatredandthisonejealousy，thatthereisnoroominitforanyotherfeeling，foranyotherhate。Itistruehesignsoftenenoughthesedeath-warrantswhichwelaybeforehim；buthedoesit，asthelion，withuttercarelessnessandwithoutanger，crushesthelittlemousethatisbychanceunderhispaws。Butifthelionistorendinpieceshisequal，hemustbeforehandbeputintoarage。Whenheisraging，thenyoumustlethimhavehisprey。TheHowardsshallbehisfirstprey。But，then，wemustexertourselves，thatwhenthelionagainshakeshismanehiswrathmayfalluponCatharineParrandtheSeymours。"

"TheLordourGodwillbewithus，andenlightenus，thatwemayfindtherightmeanstostrikeHisenemiesasureblow！"exclaimedGardiner，devoutlyfoldinghishands。

"Ibelievetherightmeansarealreadyfound，"saidEarlDouglas，withasmile；"andevenbeforethisdaydescendstoitsclose，thegatesoftheTowerwillopentoreceivethishaughtyandsoft-

heartedDukeofNorfolkandthisapostateEarlSurrey。PerchancewemayevensucceedinstrikingatoneblowthequeentogetherwiththeHowards。See！anequipagestopsbeforethegrandentrance，andIseetheDuchessofNorfolkandherdaughter，theDuchessofRichmond，gettingoutofthecarriage。Onlysee！theyaremakingsignstous。

Ihavepromisedtoconductthesetwonobleandpiousladiestotheking，andIshalldoso。Whilstwearethere，prayforus，yourhighness，thatourwords，likewell-aimedarrows，maystriketheking\'sheart，andthenrebounduponthequeenandtheSeymours！"

CHAPTERXXIX。

THEACCUSATION。

Invainhadthekinghopedtomasterhispains，oratleasttoforgetthem，whilehetriedtosleep。Sleephadfledfromtheking\'scouch；andashenowsatinhisrolling-chair，sad，weary，andharassedwithpain，hethought，withgloomyspite，thattheDukeofNorfolktoldhimbutyesterdaythatsleepwasathingunderhiscontrol，andhecouldsummonittohimwheneveritseemedgoodtohim。Thisthoughtmadehimravingwithanger；andgrindinghisteeth，hemuttered:"Hecansleep；andI，hislordandking——IamabeggarthatinvainwhinestoGodaboveforalittlesleep，alittleforgetfulnessofhispains！ButitisthistraitorousNorfolkthatpreventsmefromsleeping。Thoughtsofhimkeepmeawakeandrestless。AndIcannotcrushthistraitorwiththesehandsofmine；

Iamaking，andyetsopowerlessandweak，thatIcanfindnomeansofaccusingthistraitor，andconvictinghimofhissinfulandblasphemousdeeds。Oh，wheremayIfindhim——thattruefriend，thatdevotedservant，whoventurestounderstandmyunutteredthoughts，andfulfilthewishestowhichIdarenotgiveaname？"

Justashewasthusthinking，thedoorbehindhimopenedandinwalkedEarlDouglas。Hiscountenancewasproudandtriumphant，andsowildajoygleamedfromhiseyesthateventhekingwassurprisedatit。

"Oh，"saidhe，peevishly，"youcallyourselfmyfriend；andyouarecheerful，Douglas，whileyourkingisapoorprisonerwhomthegouthaschainedwithbrazenbandstothischair。"

"Youwillrecover，myking，andgoforthfromthisimprisonmentastheconqueror，dazzlingandbright，thatbyhisappearanceunderGod\'sblessingtreadsallhisenemiesinthedust——thattriumphsoverallthosewhoareagainsthim，andwouldbetraytheirking！"

"Arethere，then，anysuchtraitors，whothreatentheirking？"askedHenry，withadarkfrown。

"Ay，therearesuchtraitors！"

"Namethemtome！"saidtheking，tremblingwithpassionateimpatience。"Namethemtome，thatmyarmmaycrushthemandmyavengingjusticeovertaketheheadsoftheguilty。"

"Itissuperfluoustomentionthem，foryou，KingHenry，thewiseandall-knowing——youknowtheirnames。"

Andbendingdownclosertotheking\'sear，EarlDouglascontinued:

"KingHenry，Icertainlyhavearighttocallmyselfyourmostfaithfulanddevotedservant，forIhavereadyourthoughts。Ihaveunderstoodthenoblegriefthatdisturbsyourheart，andbanishessleepfromyoureyesandpeacefromyoursoul。Yousawthefoethatwascreepinginthedark；youheardthelowhissoftheserpentthatwasdartinghisvenomousstingatyourheel。Butyouweresomuchthenobleandintrepidking，thatyouwouldnotyourselfbecometheaccuser——nay，youwouldnotoncedrawbackthefootmenacedbytheserpent。Greatandmerciful，likeGodHimself，yousmileduponhimwhomyouknewtobeyourenemy。ButI，myking——Ihaveotherduties。

Iamlikethefaithfuldog，thathaseyesonlyforthesafetyofhismaster，andfallsuponeveryonethatcomestomenacehim。Ihaveseentheserpentthatwouldkillyou，andIwillbruisehishead！"

"Andwhatisthenameofthisserpentofwhichyouspeak？"askedtheking；andhisheartbeatsoboisterouslythathefeltitonhistremblinglips。

"Itiscalled，"saidEarlDouglas，earnestlyandsolemnly——"itiscalledHoward！"

Thekingutteredacry，and，forgettinghisgoutandhispains，arosefromhischair。

"Howard！"saidhe，withacruelsmile。"SayyouthataHowardthreatensourlife？Whichoneisit？Namemethetraitor！"

"Inamethemboth——fatherandson！InametheDukeofNorfolkandtheEarlofSurrey！Isaythattheybotharetraitors，whothreatenthelifeandhonorofmyking，andwithblasphemousarrogancedarestretchouttheirhandseventothecrown！"

"Ah，Iknewit，Iknewit！"screamedtheking。"Anditwasthisthatmademesleepless，andateintomybodylikered-hotiron。"

AndashefastenedonDouglashiseyesflashingwithrage，heasked，withagrimsmile:"CanyouprovethattheseHowardsaretraitors？

Canyouprovethattheyaimatmycrown？"

"Ihopetobeabletodoso，"saidDouglas。"Tobesure，therearenogreatconvincingfacts——"

"Oh，"saidtheking，interruptinghimwithasavagelaugh，"thereisnoneedofgreatfacts。Giveintomyhandbutalittlethread，andI

willmakeoutofitacordstrongenoughtohaulthefatherandsonuptothegallowsatonetime。"

"Oh，forthesonthereisproofenough，"saidtheearl，withasmile:"andasregardsthefather，Iwillproduceyourmajestysomeaccusersagainsthim，whowillbeimportantenoughtobringthedukealsototheblock。Willyouallowmetobringthemtoyouimmediately？"

"Yes，bringthem，bringthem！"criedtheking。"Everyminuteispreciousthatmayleadthesetraitorssoonertotheirpunishment。"

EarlDouglassteppedtothedoorandopenedit。Threeveiledfemalefiguresenteredandbowedreverentially。

"Ah，"whisperedtheking，withacruelsmile，ashesankbackagainintohischair，"theyarethethreeFatesthatspintheHowards\'

threadoflife，andwillnow，itistobehoped，breakitoff。I

willfurnishthemwiththescissorsforit；andiftheyarenotsharpenough，Iwill，withmyownroyalhands，helpthemtobreakthethread。"

"Sire，"saidEarlDouglas，as，atasignfromhim，thethreewomenunveiledthemselves——"sire，thewife，thedaughter，andthemistressoftheDukeofNorfolkhavecometoaccusehimofhightreason。ThemotherandthesisteroftheEarlofSurreyareheretochargehimwithacrimeequallyworthyofdeath。"

"Nowverily，"exclaimedtheking，"itmustbeagrievousandblasphemoussinwhichsomuchexasperatesthetemperofthesenoblewomen，andmakesthemdeaftothevoiceofnature！"

"Itisindeedsuchasin，"saidtheDuchessofNorfolk，inasolemntone；and，approachingafewpacesnearertotheking，shecontinued:"Sire，Iaccusetheduke，mydivorcedhusband，ofhightreasonanddisloyaltytohisking。Hehasbeensoboldastoappropriateyourownroyalcoat-of-arms；andonhissealandequipage，andovertheentranceofhispalace，aredisplayedthearmsofthekingsofEngland。"

"Thatistrue，"saidtheking，who，nowthathewascertainofthedestructionoftheHowards，hadregainedhiscalmnessandself-

possession，andperfectlyreassumedtheairofastrict，impartialjudge。"Yes，hebearstheroyalarmsonhisshield，butyet，ifwerememberrightly，thecrownandparaphofourancestorEdwardtheThirdarewanting。"

"Hehasnowaddedthiscrownandthisparaphtohiscoat-of-arms，"

saidMissHolland。"Hesaysheisentitledtothem；forthat，liketheking，healsoisdescendedindirectlinefromEdwardtheThird；

and，therefore，theroyalarmsbelonglikewisetohim。"

"Ifhesaysthat，heisatraitorwhopresumestocallhiskingandmasterhisequal，"criedtheking，coloringupwithagrimjoyatnowatlengthhavinghisenemyinhispower。

"Heisindeedatraitor，"continuedMissHolland。"OftenhaveI

heardhimsayhehadthesamerighttothethroneofEnglandasHenrytheEighth；andthatadaymightcomewhenhewouldcontendwithHenry\'ssonforthatcrown。"

"Ah，"criedtheking，andhiseyesdartedflashessofiercethatevenEarlDouglasshrankbeforethem，"ah，hewillcontendwithmysonforthecrownofEngland！Itiswell，now；fornowitismysacredduty，asakingandasafather，tocrushthisserpentthatwantstobitemeontheheel；andnocompassionandnopityoughtnowtorestrainmelonger。Andweretherenootherproofsofhisguiltandhiscrimethanthesewordsthathehasspokentoyou，yetaretheysufficient，andwillriseupagainsthim，likethehangman\'saidswhoaretoconducthimtotheblock。"

"Butthereareyetotherproofs，"saidMissHolland，laconically。

Thekingwasobligedtounbuttonhisdoublet。Itseemedasthoughjoywouldsuffocatehim。

"Namethem！"commandedhe。

"Hedaresdenytheking\'ssupremacy；hecallstheBishopofRomethesoleheadandholyFatheroftheChurch。"

"Ah，doesheso？"exclaimedtheking，laughing。"Well，weshallseenowwhetherthisholyFatherwillsavethisfaithfulsonfromthescaffoldwhichwewillerectforhim。Yes，yes，wemustgivetheworldanewexampleofourincorruptiblejustice，whichovertakeseveryone，howeverhighandmightyhemaybe，andhowevernearourthronehemaystand。Really，really，itgrievesourhearttolaylowthisoakwhichwehadplantedsonearourthrone，thatwemightleanuponitandsupportourselvesbyit；butjusticedemandsthissacrifice，andwewillmakeit——notinwrathandspite，butonlytomeetthesacredandpainfuldutyofourroyalty。Wehavegreatlylovedthisduke，anditgrievesustotearthislovefromourheart。"

Andwithhishand，glitteringwithjewels，thekingwipedfromhiseyesthetearswhichwerenotthere。

"Buthow？"askedtheking，then，afterapause，"willyouhavethecouragetorepeatyouraccusationpubliclybeforeParliament？Willyou，hiswife，andyou，hismistress，publiclyswearwithasacredoathtothetruthofyourdeclaration？"

"Iwilldoso，"saidtheduchess，solemnly，"forheisnolongermyhusband，nolongerthefatherofmychildren，butsimplytheenemyofmyking；andtoservehimismymostsacredduty。"

"Iwilldoso，"criedMissHolland，withabewitchingsmile；"forheisnolongermylover，butonlyatraitor，anatheist，whoisaudaciousenoughtorecognizeastheholyheadofChristendomthatmanatRomewhohasdaredtohurlhiscurseagainstthesublimeheadofourking。Itisthis，indeed，thathastornmyheartfromtheduke，andthathasmademenowhatehimasardentlyasIoncelovedhim。"

Withagracioussmile，thekingpresentedbothhishandstothetwowomen。"Youhavedonemeagreatserviceto-day，myladies，"saidhe，"andIwillfindawaytorewardyouforit。Iwillgiveyou，duchess，thehalfofhisestate，asthoughyouwerehisrightfulheirandlawfulwidow。Andyou，MissHolland，Iwillleaveinundisputedpossessionofallthegoodsandtreasuresthattheenamoreddukehasgivenyou。"

Thetwoladiesbrokeoutintoloudexpressionsofthanksandintoenthusiasticraptureovertheliberalandgenerousking，whowassograciousastogivethemwhattheyalreadyhad，andtobestowonthemwhatwasalreadytheirownproperty。

"Well，andareyouwhollymute，mylittleduchess，"askedthekingafterapause，turningtotheDuchessofRichmond，whohadwithdrawntotheembrasureofawindow。

"Sire，"saidtheduchess，smiling，"Iwasonlywaitingformycue。"

"Andthiscueis——"

"HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey！Asyourmajestyknows，Iamamerryandharmlesswoman；andIunderstandbetterhowtolaughandjokethantotalkmuchseriously。Thetwonobleandfairladieshaveaccusedtheduke，myfather；andtheyhavedonesoinaverydignifiedandsolemnmanner。Iwishtoaccusemybrother，HenryHoward；butyoumustexerciseforbearance，ifmywordssoundlesssolemnandelevated。Theyhavetoldyou，sire，thattheDukeofNorfolkisatraitorandacriminalwhodenominatesthePopeofRome，andnotyou，myexaltedking，theheadoftheChurch。Now，theEarlofSurreyisneitheratraitornorapapist；andhehasneitherdevisedcriminalplotsagainstthethroneofEngland，norhashedeniedthesupremacyoftheking。No，sire，theEarlofSurreyisnotraitorandnopapist！"

Theduchesspaused，andlookedwithamaliciousanddrollsmileintotheastonishedfacesofthosepresent。

Adarkfrowngatheredontheking\'sbrow，andhiseyes，whichjustbeforehadlookedsocheerful，werenowfixedwithanangryexpressionontheyoungduchess。

"Why，then，mylady，haveyoumadeyourappearancehere？"askedhe。

"Whyhaveyoucomehere，ifyouhavenothingfurthertosaythanwhatIalreadyknow——thattheEarlofSurreyisaveryloyalsubject，andamanwithoutanyambition，whoneithercourtsthefavorofmypeoplenorthinksoflayinghistraitoroushandsonmycrown？"

Theyoungduchessshookherheadwithasmile。"Iknownotwhetherhedoesallthat，"saidshe。"Ihaveindeedheardthathesaid，withbitterscorn，thatyou，myking，wantedtobetheprotectorofreligion，yetyouyourselfwereentirelywithoutreligionandwithoutbelief。Also，heoflatebrokeoutintobittercursesagainstyou，becauseyouhadrobbedhimofhisfield-marshal\'sstaff，andgivenittoEarlHertford，thatnobleSeymour。Also，hemeanttoseewhetherthethroneofEnglandweresofirmandsteadythatithadnoneedofhishandandhisarmtopropit。AllthatI

haveofcourseheardfromhim；butyouareright，sire，itisunimportant——itisnotworthmentioning，andthereforeIdonotevenmakeitasanaccusationagainsthim。"

"Ah，youarealwaysamadlittlewitch，Rosabella！"criedtheking，whohadregainedhischeerfulness。"Yousayyouwillnotaccusehim，andyetyoumakehisheadaplaythingthatyoupoiseuponyourcrimsonlips。Buttakecare，mylittleduchess——takecare，thatthisheaddoesnotfallfromyourlipswithyourlaughing，androlldowntotheground；forIwillnotstopit——thisheadoftheEarlofSurrey，ofwhomyousaythatheisnotraitor。"

"Butisitnotmonotonousandtiresome，ifweaccusethefatherandsonofthesamecrime？"askedtheduchess，laughing。"Letushavealittlevariation。Letthedukebeatraitor；theson，myking，isbyfaraworsecriminal！"

"Isthere，then，astillworseandmoreexecrablecrimethantobeatraitortohiskingandmaster，andtospeakoftheanointedoftheLordwithoutreverenceandlove？"

"Yes，yourmajesty，thereisastillworsecrime；andofthatI

accusetheEarlofSurrey。Heisanadulterer！"

"Anadulterer！"repeatedtheking，withanexpressionofabhorrence。

"Yes，mylady，youareright；thatisamoreexecrableandunnaturalcrime，andweshalljudgeitstrictly。Foritshallnotbesaidthatmodestyandvirtuefoundnoprotectorinthekingofthisland，andthathewillnotasajudgepunishandcrashallthosewhodaresinagainstdecencyandmorals。Oh，theEarlofSurreyisanadulterer，ishe？"

"Thatistosay，sire，hedareswithhissinfullovetopursueavirtuousandchastewife。Hedarestoraisehiswickedlookstoawomanwhostandsashighabovehimasthesunabovemortals，andwho，atleastbythegreatnessandhighpositionofherhusband，shouldbesecurefromallimpuredesiresandlustfulwishes。"

"Ah，"criedtheking，indignantly，"Iseealreadywhitherthattends。Itisalwaysthesameaccusation；andnowIsay，asyoudidjustnow，letushavealittlevariation！TheaccusationIhavealreadyoftenheard；buttheproofsarealwayswanting。"

"Sire，thistime，itmaybe，wecangivetheproofs，"saidtheduchess，earnestly。Wouldyouknow，mynobleking，whotheGeraldineistowhomHenryHowardaddresseshislove-songs？ShallItellyoutherealnameofthiswomantowhom，inthepresenceofyoursacredpersonandofyourwholecourt，heutteredhispassionateprotestationsofloveandhisoathofeternalfaithfulness？Well，now，thisGeraldine——soadored，sodeified——isthequeen！"

"Thatisnottrue！"criedtheking，crimsonwithanger；andheclenchedhishandssofirmlyaboutthearmsofhischairthatitcracked。"Thatisnottrue，mylady！"

"Itistrue！"saidtheduchess，haughtilyandsaucily。"Itistrue，sire，fortheEarlofSurreyhasconfessedtomemyselfthatitisthequeenwhomheloves，andthatGeraldineisonlyamelodiousappellationforCatharine。"

"Hehasconfessedittoyouyourself？"inquiredtheking，withgaspingbreath。"Ah，hedareslovehisking\'swife？Woetohim，woe！"