第11章

YouwantedtodestroySurrey，butthequeenwastosinkintotheabysswithhim。BecauseIamindebtedtoyouforSurrey，Iforgiveyouwhatyouhavedonetothequeen。Buttakeheedtoyourself，takeheedthatIdonotmeetyouagainonthesametrack；donotevertryagain，byalook，aword，ay，evenbyasmile，tocastsuspiciononthequeen。Theslightestattemptwouldcostyouyourlife！ThatI

sweartoyoubytheholymotherofGod；andyouknowthatIhaveneveryetbrokenthatoath。AsregardsLadyJane，wedonotwanttoconsiderthatshehasmisusedthenameofourillustriousandvirtuousconsortinordertodrawthislustfulandadulterousearlintothenetwhichyouhadsetforhim；sheobeyedyourorders，Douglas；andwewillnotnowdecidewhatothermotivesbesideshaveurgedhertothisdeed。ShemaysettlethatwithGodandherownconscience，anditdoesnotbehooveustodecideaboutit。"

"Butitbehoovesme，perhaps，myhusband，toaskbywhatrightLadyJanehasdaredtoappearhereinthisattire，andtopresenttoacertaindegreeacounterfeitofherqueen？"askedCatharineinasharptone。"Imaywellbeallowedtoaskwhathasmademymaidofhonor，wholeftthefestivehallsick，nowallatoncesowellthatshegoesroamingaboutthecastleinthenighttime，andinadresswhichseemslikelytobemistakenformine？Sire，wasthisdressperchanceacraftily-devisedstratagem，inordertoreallyconfounduswithoneanother？Youaresilent，mylordandking。Itistrue，then，theyhavewantedtocarryoutaterribleplotagainstme；and，withouttheassistanceofmyfaithfulandhonestfriend，JohnHeywood，whobroughtmehere，Ishouldwithoutdoubtbenowcondemnedandlost，astheEarlofSurreyis。"

"Ah，John，itwasyouthenthatbroughtalittlelightintothisdarkness？"criedtheking，withacheerfullaugh，ashelaidhishandonHeywood\'sshoulder。"Now，verily，whatthewiseandprudentdidnotsee，thatthefoolhasseenthrough！"

"KingHenryofEngland，"saidJohnHeywood，solemnly，"manycallthemselveswise，andyettheyarefools；andmanyassumethemaskoffolly，becausefoolsareallowedtobewise。"

"Kate，"saidtheking，"youareright；thiswasabadnightforyou，butGodandthefoolhavesavedyouandme。Wewillbothbethankfulforit。Butitiswellifyoudoasyoubeforewished，andaskandinquirenothingmoreconcerningthemysteriesofthisnight。Itwasbraveinyoutocomehere，andIwillbemindfulofit。Come，mylittlequeen，givemeyourarmandconductmetomyapartments。I

tellyou，child，itgivesmejoytobeabletoleanonyourarm，andseeyourdearsprightlyfaceblanchedbynofearorterrorsofconscience。Come，Kate，youaloneshallleadme，andtoyoualonewillItrustmyself。"

"Sire，youaretooheavyforthequeen，"saidthefool，asheputhisneckundertheotherarm。"Letmesharewithhertheburdenofroyalty。"

"Butbeforewego，"saidCatharine，"Ihave，myhusband，onerequest。Willyougrantit？"

"Iwillgrantyoueverythingthatyoumayask，providedyouwillnotrequiremetosendyoutotheTower。"

"Sire，Iwishtodismissmymaidofhonor，LadyJaneDouglas，frommyservice——thatisall，"saidthequeen，ashereyesglancedwithanexpressionofcontempt，andyetatthesametimeofpain，attheformofherfriendofotherdays，prostrateonthefloor。

"Sheisdismissed！"saidtheking。"Youwillchooseanothermaidofhonorto-morrow。Come，Kate！"

Andtheking，supportedbyhisconsortandJohnHeywood，lefttheroomwithslowandheavysteps。

EarlDouglaswatchedthemwithasullen，hatefulexpression。Asthedoorclosedafterthemheraisedhisarmthreateninglytowardheaven，andhistremblinglipsutteredafiercecurseandexecration。

"Vanquished！vanquishedagain！"mutteredhe，gnashinghisteeth。

"HumbledbythiswomanwhomIhate，andwhomIwillyetdestroy！

Yes，shehasconqueredthistime；butwewillcommencethestruggleanew，andourenvenomedweaponshallneverthelessstrikeheratlast！"

Suddenlyhefeltahandlaidheavilyonhisshoulder，andapairofglaring，flamingeyesgazedathim。

"Father，"saidLadyJane，asshethrewherrighthandthreateninglytowardheaven——"father，astrueasthereisaGodaboveus，Iwillaccuseyouyourselftothekingasatraitor——Iwillbetraytohimallyouraccursedplots——ifyoudonothelpmetodeliverHenryHoward！"

Herfatherlookedwithanexpressionalmostmelancholyinherface，painfullyconvulsedandpaleasmarble。"Iwillhelpyou！"saidhe。

"Iwilldoit，ifyouwillhelpmealso，andfurthermyplans。"

"Oh，onlysaveHenryHoward，andIwillsignmyselfawaytothedevilwithmyheart\'sblood！"saidJaneDouglas，withahorriblesmile。"Savehislife，or，ifyouhavenotthepowertodothat，thenatleastprocuremethehappinessofbeingabletodiewithhim。"

CHAPTERXXXII。

UNDECEIVED。

Parliament，whichhadnotforalongtimenowventuredtoofferanyfurtheroppositiontotheking\'swill——Parliamenthadacquiescedinhisdecree。IthadaccusedEarlSurreyofhightreason；and，onthesoletestimonyofhismotherandhissister，hehadbeendeclaredguiltyoflesemajesteandhightreason。Afewwordsofdiscontentathisremovalfromoffice，somecomplainingremarksaboutthenumerousexecutionsthatdrenchedEngland\'ssoilwithblood——thatwasallthattheDuchessofRichmondhadbeenabletobringagainsthim。Thathe，likehisfather，borethearmsoftheKingsofEngland——thatwastheonlyevidenceofhightreasonofwhichhismothertheDuchessofNorfolkcouldchargehim。[Footnote:Tytler，p。402。Burnet，vol。i，p。95。]

Theseaccusationswereofsotrivialacharacter，thattheParliamentwellknewtheywerenotthegroundofhisarrest，butonlyapretextforit——onlyapretext，bywhichthekingsaidtohispliantandtremblingParliament:"Thismanisinnocent；butIwillthatyoucondemnhim，andthereforeyouwillaccounttheaccusationsufficient。"

Parliamenthadnotthecouragetoopposetheking\'swill。ThesemembersofParliamentwerenothingmorethanaflockofsheep，who，intremblingdreadofthesharpteethofthedog，gostraightalongthepathwhichthedogshowsthem。

ThekingwantedthemtocondemntheEarlofSurrey，andtheycondemnedhim。

Theysummonedhimbeforetheirjudgment-seat，anditwasinvainthatheprovedhisinnocenceinaspeechspiritedandglowingwitheloquence。ThesenoblemembersofParliamentwouldnotseethathewasinnocent。

Itistrue，indeed，therewereafewwhowereashamedtobowtheirheadssounreservedlybeneaththeking\'ssceptre，whichdrippedwithbloodlikeaheadsman\'saxe。Therewerestillafewtowhomtheaccusationappearedinsufficient；buttheywereoutvoted；andinordertogiveParliamentawarningexample，theking，ontheverysameday，hadtheseobstinateonesarrestedandaccusedofsomepretendedcrime。Forthispeople，enslavedbytheking\'scrueltyandsavagebarbarity，werealreadysodegenerateanddebasedinself-

consciousness，thatmenwerealwaysandwithouttroublefound，who，inordertopleasethekingandhisbloodthirstinessandsanctimonioushypocrisy，degradedthemselvestoinformers，andaccusedofcrimethosewhomtheking\'sdarkfrownhadindicatedtothemasoffenders。

SoParliamenthaddoomedtheEarlofSurreytodie，andthekinghadsignedhisdeath-warrant。

Earlynextmorninghewastobeexecuted；andintheTower-yardtheworkmenwerealreadybusyinerectingthescaffoldonwhichthenobleearlwastobebeheaded。

HenryHowardwasaloneinhiscell。Hehaddonewithlifeandearthlythings。Hehadsethishouseinorderandmadehiswill；hehadwrittentohismotherandsister，andforgiventhemfortheirtreacheryandaccusation；hehadaddressedalettertohisfather，inwhichheexhortedhim，inwordsasnobleastheyweretouching，tosteadfastnessandcalmness，andbadehimnottoweepforhim，fordeathwashisdesire，andthegravetheonlyrefugeforwhichhelonged。

Hehadthen，aswehavesaid，donewithlife；andearthlythingsnolongerdisturbedhim。Hefeltnoregretandnofear。Lifehadlefthimnothingmoretowish；andhealmostthankedthekingthathewouldsosoondeliverhimfromtheburdenofexistence。

Thefuturehadnothingmoretoofferhim；whythenshouldhedesireit？Whylongforalifewhichcouldbeforhimnowonlyanisolated，desolate，andgloomyone？ForGeraldinewaslosttohim！Heknewnotherfate；andnotidingsofherhadpenetratedtohimthroughthesolitaryprisonwalls。Didthequeenstilllive？OrhadthekinginhiswrathmurderedheronthatverynightwhenHenrywascarriedtotheTower，andhislastlookbeheldhisbelovedlyingatherhusband\'sfeet，swooningandrigid。

Whathadbecomeofthequeen——ofHenryHoward\'sbelovedGeraldine？

Heknewnothingofher。Hehadhopedinvainforsomenote，somemessagefromher；buthehadnotdaredtoaskanyoneastoherfate。Perhapsthekingdesistedfrompunishingherlikewise。PerhapshismurderousinclinationhadbeensatisfiedbyputtingHenryHowardtodeath；andCatharineescapedthescaffold。Itmight，therefore，havebeenruinoustoher，hadhe，thecondemned，inquiredafterher。

Or，ifshehadgonebeforehim，thenhewascertainoffindingheragain，andofbeingunitedwithherforevermorebeyondthegrave。

Hebelievedinahereafter，forheloved；anddeathdidnotaffrighthim，forafterdeathcamethereunionwithher，withGeraldine，whoeitherwasalreadywaitingforhimthereabove，orwouldsoonfollowhim。

Lifehadnothingmoretoofferhim。Deathunitedhimtohisbeloved。

Hehaileddeathashisfriendandsavior，asthepriestwhowastounitehimtohisGeraldine。HeheardthegreatTowerclockoftheprisonwhichwiththreateningstrokemadeknownthehour；andeachpassinghourhehailedwithajoyousthroboftheheart。Theeveningcameanddeepnightdescendeduponhim——thelastnightthatwasallottedtohim-thelastnightthatseparatedhimfromhisGeraldine。

Theturnkeyopenedthedoortobringtheearlalight，andtoaskwhetherhehadanyorderstogive。Heretoforeithadbeentheking\'sspecialcommandnottoallowhimalightinhiscell；andhehadspentthesesixlongeveningsandnightsofhisimprisonmentindarkness。Butto-daytheywerewillingtogivehimalight；to-daytheywerewillingtoallowhimeverythingthathemightstilldesire。Thelifewhichhemustleaveinafewhourswastobeoncemoreadornedforhimwithallcharmsandenjoymentswhichhemightaskfor。HenryHowardhadbuttowish，andthejailerwasreadytofurnishhimeverything。

ButHenryHowardwishedfornothing；hedemandednothing，savethattheywouldleavehimalone-savethattheywouldremovefromhisprisonthislightwhichdazzledhim，andwhichopposedtohisenrapturingdreamsthedisenchantingreality。

Theking，whohadwantedtoimposeaspecialpunishmentincondemninghimtodarkness-thekinghad，contrarytohisintention，becometherebyhisbenefactor。Forwithdarknesscamedreamsandfantasies。WiththedarknesscameGeraldine。

Whennightandsilencewereailaroundhim，thentherewaslightwithin；andanenchantingwhisperandasweet，enticingvoiceresoundedwithinhim。Thegatesofhisprisonsprangopen，andonthewingsofthoughtHenryHowardsoaredawayfromthatdismalanddesolateplace。Onthewingsofthoughthecametoher-tohisGeraldine。

Againshewasbyhim，inthelarge，silenthall。Againnightlayuponthem，likeaveilconcealing，blessing，andenvelopingthem；-

andthrewitsprotectionovertheirembracesandtheirkisses。

Solitudeallowedhimtohearagainthedearmusicofhervoice，whichsangforhimsoenchantingamelodyofloveandecstasy。

HenryHowardmustbealone，sothathecanhearhisGeraldine。Deepdarknessmustsurroundhim，sothathisGeraldinecancometohim。

Hedemanded，therefore，forhislastnight，nothingfurtherthantobeleftalone，andwithoutalight。Thejailerextinguishedthelightandleftthecell。Buthedidnotshovethegreatironboltacrossthedoor。Hedidnotputthelargepadlockonit，butheonlyleftthedoorslightlyajar，anddidnotlockitatall。

HenryHowardtooknonoticeofthis。Whatcaredhe，whetherthisgatewaslockedorno-hewhonolongerhadadesireforlifeandfreedom！

Heleanedbackonhisseat，anddreamedwitheyesopen。TherebelowintheyardtheywereworkingonthescaffoldwhichHenryHowardwastoascendassoonasdaydawned。Thedullmonotonyofthestrokesofthehammersfellonhisear。Nowandthenthetorches，whichlightedtheworkmenattheirmelancholytask，allowedtoshineupintohiscellapaleglimmeroflight，whichdancedonthewallsinghost-

likeshapes。

"TherearetheghostsofallthosethatHenryhasputtodeath，"

thoughtHenryHoward；"theygatheraroundme；likewill-o\'-the-

wisps，theydancewithmethedanceofdeath，andinafewhoursI

shallbeforevertheirs。"

Thedullnoiseofhammersandsawscontinuedsteadilyon，andHenryHowardsankdeeperanddeeperinreverie。

Hethought，hefelt，anddesirednothingbutGeraldine。Hiswholesoulwasconcentratedinthatsinglethoughtofher。Itseemedtohimhecouldbidhisspiritseeher，asthoughhecouldcommandhissensestoperceiveher。Yes，shewasthere；hefelt-hewasconsciousofherpresence。Againhelayatherfeet，andleanedhisheadonherknee，andlistenedagaintothosecharmingrevelationsofherlove。

Completelyborneawayfromthepresent，andfromexistence，hesaw，hefelt，onlyher。Themysteryoflovewasperfected，and，undertheveilofnight，Geraldinehadagainwingedherwaytohim，andhetoher。

Ahappysmileplayedabouthislips，whichfalteredforthrapturouswordsofgreeting。Overcomebyawonderfulhallucination，hesawhisbelovedapproachinghim；hestretchedouthisarmstoclaspher；anditdidnotarousehimwhenhefeltinsteadofheronlytheemptyair。

"Whydoyoufloatawayfrommeagain，Geraldine？"askedhe，inalowtone。"Whereforedoyouwithdrawfrommyarms，towhirlwiththewill-o\'-the-wispsinthedeath-dance？Come，Geraldine，come；mysoulburnsforyou。Myheartcallsyouwithitslastfalteringthrob。

Come，Geraldine，oh，come！"

Whatwasthat？Itwasasthoughthedoorweregentlyopened，andthelatchagaingentlyfastened。Itwasasthoughafootweremovingsoftlyoverthefloor-asthoughtheshapeofahumanformshadedforamomenttheflickeringlightwhichdancedaroundthewalls。

HenryHowardsawitnot。

HesawnaughtbuthisGeraldine，whomhewithsomuchfervencyandlongingwishedbyhisside。Hespreadhisarms；hecalledherwithalltheardor，alltheenthusiasmofalover。

Nowheutteredacryofecstasy。Hisprayeroflovewasanswered。

Thedreamhadbecomeareality。Hisarmsnolongerclaspedtheemptyair；theypressedtohisbreastthewomanwhomheloved，andforwhomhewastodie。

Hepressedhislipstohermouthandshereturnedhiskisses。Hethrewhisarmsaroundherform，andshepressedhimfast，fasttoherbosom。

Wasthisareality？Orwasitmadnessthatwascreepinguponhimandseizinguponhisbrain，anddeceivinghimwithfantasiessoenchanting？

HenryHowardshudderedashethoughtthis，and，fallinguponhisknees，hecriedinavoicetremblingwithagonyandlove:

"Geraldine，havepityonme！Tellmethatthisisnodream，thatI

amnotmad——thatyouarereally——youareGeraldine——you——theking\'sconsort，whosekneesInowclasp！Speak，ohspeak，myGeraldine！"

"Iamshe！"softlywhisperedshe。"IamGeraldine——amthewomanwhomyoulove，andtowhomyouhavesworneternaltruthandeternallove！

HenryHoward，mybeloved，Inowremindyouofyouroath！Yourlifebelongstome。Thisyouhavevowed，andInowcometodemandofyouthatwhichismyown！"

"Ay，mylifebelongstoyou，Geraldine！Butitisamiserable，melancholypossession，whichyouwillcallyoursonlyafewhourslonger。"

Shethrewherarmscloselyaroundhisneck；sheraisedhimtoherheart；shekissedhismouth，hiseyes。Hefelthertears，whichtrickledlikehotfountainsoverhisface；heheardhersighs，whichstruggledfromherbreastlikedeath-groans。

"Youmustnotdie！"murmuredshe，amidhertears。"No，Henry，youmustlive，sothatItoocanlive；sothatIshallnotbecomemadfromagonyandsorrowforyou！MyGod，myGod，doyounotthenfeelhowIloveyou？Knowyounot，then，thatyourlifeismylife，andyourdeathmydeath？"

Heleanedhisheadonhershoulder，and，whollyintoxicatedwithhappiness，hescarcelyheardwhatshewasspeaking。

Shewasagainthere！Whatcaredheforalltherest？

"Geraldine，"softlywhisperedhe，"doyourecollectstillhowwefirstmeteachother？howourheartswereunitedinonethrob，howourlipsclungtoeachotherinonekiss？Geraldine，mylife，mylovedone，wethensworethatnaughtcouldseparateus，thatourloveshouldsurvivethegrave！Geraldine，doyourememberthatstill？"

"Irememberit，myHenry！Butyoushallnotdieyet；andnotindeath，butinlife，shallyourloveformebeproved！Ay，wewilllive，live！Andyourlifeshallbemylife，andwhereyouare，therewillIbealso！Henry，doyourememberthatyouvowedthistomewithasolemnoath！"

"Irememberit，butIcannotkeepmyword，myGeraldine！Hearyouhowtheyaresawingandhammeringtherebelow？Knowyouwhatthatindicates，dearest？"

"Iknowit，Henry！Itisthescaffoldthattheyarebuildingtherebelow。Thescaffoldforyouandme。ForItoowilldieifyouwillnotlive；andtheaxethatseeksyourneckshallfindminealso，ifyouwishnotthatwebothlive！"

"DoIwishit！Buthowcanwe，beloved？"

"Wecan，Henry，wecan！Allisreadyfortheflight！Itisallarranged，everythingprepared！Theking\'ssignet-ringhasopenedtomethegatesoftheprison；theomnipotenceofgoldhaswonoveryourjailer。Hewillnotseeit，whentwopersonsinsteadofoneleavethisdungeon。Unmolestedandwithouthinderance，wewillbothleavetheTowerbywaysknownonlytohim，oversecretcorridorsandstaircases，andwillgoaboardaboatwhichisreadytotakeustoaship，whichliesintheharborpreparedtosail，andwhichassoonasweareaboardweighsanchorandputstoseawithus。Come，Henry，come！Layyourarminmine，andletusleavethisprison！"

Shethrewbothherarmsaroundhisneck，anddrewhimforward。Hepressedherfasttohisheartandwhispered:"Yes，come，come，mybeloved！Letusfly！Toyoubelongsmylife，youalone！"

Heraisedherupinhisarms，andhastenedwithhertothedoor。Hepushedithastilyopenwithhisfootandhurriedforwarddownthecorridor；buthavingarrivedjustatthefirstturnhereeledbackinhorror。

Beforethedoorworestandingsoldierswithshoulderedarms。TherestoodalsothelieutenantoftheTower，andtwoservantsbehindhimwithlightedcandles。Geraldinegaveascream，andwithanxioushasterearrangedthethickveilthathadslippedfromherhead。

HenryHowardalsohadutteredacry，butnotonaccountofthesoldiersandthefrustratedflight。

Hiseyes，stretchedwideopen，staredatthisfigureathisside，nowsocloselyveiled。

Itseemedtohimasthoughlikeaspectreastrangefacehadrisenupclosebyhim——asthoughitwerenotthebelovedheadofthequeenthatrestedthereonhisshoulder。Hehadseenthisfaceonlyasavision，asthefantasyofadream；butheknewwithperfectcertaintythatitwasnothercountenance，notthecountenanceofhisGeraldine。

ThelieutenantoftheTowermotionedtohisservants，andtheycarriedthelightedcandlesintotheearl\'scell。

ThenhegaveHenryHowardhishandandsilentlyledhimbackintotheprison。

HenryHowardexhibitednoreluctancetofollowhim；buthishandhadseizedGeraldine\'sarm，andhedrewheralongwithhim；hiseyerestedonherwithapenetratingexpression，andseemedtothreatenher。

Theywerenowagainintheroomwhichtheyhadbeforeleftwithsuchblessedhopes。

ThelieutenantoftheTowermotionedtotheservantstoretire，thenturnedwithsolemnearnestnesstoEarlSurrey。

"Mylord，"saidhe，"itisattheking\'scommandthatIbringyoutheselights。Hismajestyknowsallthathashappenedherethisnight。Heknewthataplotwasformedtorescueyou；andwhiletheybelievedtheyweredeceivinghim，theplottersthemselvesweredeceived。Theyhadsucceededundervariousartfulfalsepretencesininfluencingthekingtogivehissignet-ringtooneofhislords。

Buthismajestywasalreadywarned，andhealreadyknewthatitwasnotaman，astheywantedtomakehimbelieve，butawoman，whocame，nottotakeleaveofyou，buttodeliveryoufromprison——Mylady，thejailerwhomyouimaginedthatyouhadbribedwasafaithfulservantoftheking。Hebetrayedyourplottome；anditwasIwhoorderedhimtomakeashowoffavoringyourdeed。YouwillnotbeabletoreleaseEarlSurrey；butifsuchisyourcommand，I

willmyselfseeyoutotheshipthatliesintheharborforyoureadytosail。Noonewillhinderyou，mylady，fromembarkingonit；EarlSurreyisnotpermittedtoaccompanyyou！——Mylord，soonthenightisatanend，andyouknowthatitwillbeyourlastnight。ThekinghasorderedthatIamnottopreventthislady，ifshewishestospendthisnightwithyouinyourroom。Butsheisallowedtodosoonlyontheconditionthatthelightsinyourroomremainburning。Thatistheking\'sexpresswill，andthesearehisownwords:\'TellEarlSurreythatIallowhimtolovehisGeraldine，butthatheistoopenhiseyestoseeher！Thathemaysee，youwillgivehimalight；andIcommandhimnottoextinguishitsolongasGeraldineiswithhim。Otherwisehemayconfoundherwithanotherwoman；forinthedarkonecannotdistinguishevenaharlequinfromaqueen！\'——Youhavenowtodecide，mylord，whetherthisladyremainswithyou，orwhethershegoes，andthelightshallbeputout！"

"Sheshallremainwithme，andIverymuchneedthelight！"saidEarlSurrey；andhispenetratinglookrestedsteadilyontheveiledfigure，whichshookathiswords，asifinanague。

"Haveyouanyotherwishbesidesthis，mylord？"

"None，savethatImaybeleftalonewithher。"

Thelieutenantbowedandlefttheroom。

Theyworenowaloneagain，andstoodconfrontingeachotherinsilence。Naughtwasheardbutthebeatingoftheirhearts，andthesighsofanguishthatburstfromGeraldine\'stremblinglips。

Itwasanawful，aterriblepause。Geraldinewouldgladlyhavegivenherlifecouldshetherebyhaveextinguishedthelightandveiledherselfinimpenetrabledarkness。

Buttheearlwouldsee。Withanangry，haughtylook，hesteppeduptoher，and，aswithcommandinggesturelieraisedhisarm，Geraldineshudderedandsubmissivelybowedherhead。

"Unveilyourface！"saidhe，inatoneofcommand。Shedidnotstir。

Shemurmuredaprayer，thenraisedherclaspedhandstoHenryandinalowmoan，said:"Mercy！mercy！"

Heextendedhishandandseizedtheveil。

"Mercy！"repeatedshe，inavoiceofstilldeepersupplication——ofstillgreaterdistress。

Buthewasinexorable。Hetoretheveilfromherfaceandstaredather。Thenwithawildshriekhereeledbackandcoveredhisfacewithhishands。

JaneDouglasdurstnotbreatheorstir。Shewaspaleasmarble；herlarge，burningeyeswerefastenedwithanunutterableexpressionofentreatyuponherlover，whostoodbeforeherwithcoveredhead，andcrushedwithanguish。Shelovedhimmorethanherlife，morethanhereternalsalvation；andyetsheitwasthathadbroughthimtothishourofagony。

AtlengthEarlSurreylethishandsfallfromhisface，andwithafiercemovementdashedthetearsfromhiseyes。

Ashelookedather，JaneDouglaswhollyinvoluntarilysankuponherknees，andraisedherhandsimploringlytohim。"HenryHoward，"saidshe，inalowwhisper，"IamGeraldine！Mehaveyouloved；mylettershaveyoureadwithecstasy，andtomehaveyouoftenswornthatyoulovedmymindyetmorethanmyappearance。Andoftenhasmyheartbeenfilledwithrapture，whenyoutoldmeyouwouldlovemehowevermyfacemightchange，howeveroldageorsicknessmightaltermyfeatures。Youremember，Henry，howIonceaskedyouwhetheryouwouldceasetoloveme，ifnowGodsuddenlyputamaskbeforemyface，sothatyoucouldnotrecognizemyfeatures。Yourepliedtome:\'Nevertheless，Ishouldloveandadoreyou；forwhatinyouravishesme，isnotyourface，butyouyourself——yourselfwithyourgloriousbeingandnature。Itisyoursoulandyourheartwhichcanneverchange，whichliebeforemelikeaholybook，clearandbright！\'Thatwasyourreplytomethen，asyousworetolovemeeternally。HenryHoward，Inowremindyouofyouroath！IamyourGeraldine。Itisthesamesoul，thesameheart；onlyGodhasputamaskuponmyface！"

EarlSurreyhadlistenedtoherwitheagerattention，withincreasingamazement。

"Itisshe！Itisreally！"criedhe，assheceased。"ItisGeraldine！"

Andwhollyovercome，whollyspeechlesswithanguish，hesankintoaseat。

Geraldineflewtohim；shecrouchedathisfeet；sheseizedhisdroopinghandandcovereditwithkisses。Andamidstreamingtears，ofteninterruptedbyhersighsandhersobs，sherecountedtohimthesadandunhappyhistoryofherlove；sheunveiledbeforehimthewholewebofcunninganddeceit，thatherfatherhaddrawnaroundthemboth。Shelaidherwholeheartopenandunveiledbeforehim。

Shetoldhimofherlove，ofheragonies，ofherambition，andherremorse。Sheaccusedherself；butshepleadedherloveasanexcuse，andwithstreamingtears，clingingtohisknees，sheimploredhimforpity，forforgiveness。

Hethrustherviolentlyfromhim，andstoodupinordertoescapehertouch。Hisnoblecountenanceglowedwithanger:hiseyesdartedlightning；hislongflowinghairshadedhisloftybrowandhisfacelikeasombreveil。Hewasbeautifulinhiswrath，beautifulasthearchangelMichaeltramplingthedragonbeneathhisfeet。Andthushebentdownhisheadtowardher；thushegazedatherwithflashingandcontemptuouslooks。

"Iforgiveyou？"saidhe。"Neverwillthatbe！Ha，shallIforgiveyou？——you，whohavemademyentirelifearidiculouslie，andtransformedthetragedyofmyloveintoadisgustingfarce？Oh，Geraldine，howIhavelovedyou；andnowyouhavebecometomealoathsomespectre，beforewhichmysoulshudders，andwhichImustexecrate！Youhavecrushedmylife，andevenrobbedmydeathofitssanctity；fornowitisnolongerthemartyrdomofmylove，butonlythesavagemockeryofmycredulousheart。Oh，Geraldine，howbeautifulitwouldhavebeentodieforyou！——togotodeathwithyournameuponmylips！——toblessyou！——tothankyouformyhappylot，astheaxewasalreadyupliftedtosmiteoffmyhead！Howbeautifultothinkthatdeathdoesnotseparateus，butisonlythewaytoaneternalunion；thatweshouldloseeachotherbutabriefmomenthere，tofindeachotheragainforevermore！"

Geraldinewrithedathisfeetlikeawormtroddenupon；andhergroansofdistressandhersmotheredmoansweretheheartrendingaccompanimentofhismelancholywords。

"Butthatisnowallover！"criedHenryHoward；andhisface，whichwasbeforeconvulsedwithgriefandagony，nowglowedagainwithwrath。"Youhavepoisonedmylifeandmydeath；andIshallcurseyouforit，andmylastwordwillbeamaledictionontheharlequinGeraldine！"

"Havepity！"groanedJane。"Killme，Henry；stampmyheadbeneathyourfeet；onlyletthistortureend！"

"Nay，nopity！"yelledhe，wildly；"nopityforthisimpostor，whohasstolenmyheartandcreptlikeathiefintomylove！Arise，andleavethisroom；foryoufillmewithhorror；andwhenIbeholdyou，IfeelonlythatImustcurseyou！Ay，acurseonyouandshame，Geraldine！CurseonthekissesthatIhaveimpressedonyourlips——

onthetearsofrapturethatIhaveweptonyourbosom。WhenI

ascendthescaffold，Iwillcurseyou，andmylastwordsshallbe:

\'WoetoGeraldine！——forsheismymurderess！\'"

Hestoodtherebeforeherwitharmraisedonhigh，proudandgreatinhiswrath。Shefeltthedestroyinglightningofhiseyes，thoughshedurstnotlookupathim，butlayathisfeetmoaningandconvulsed，andconcealingherfaceinherveil，assheshudderedatherownpicture。

"AndthisbemylastwordtoyouGeraldine，"saidHenryHoward，pantingforbreath:"Gohenceundertheburdenofmycurse，andlive——ifyoucan！"

Sheunveiledherhead，andraisedhercountenancetowardhim。A

contemptuoussmilewrithedaboutherdeathlypalelips。"Live！"saidshe。"Havewenotsworntodiewitheachother？Yourcursedoesnotreleasemefrommyoath，andwhenyoudescendintothegrave，JaneDouglaswillstanduponitsbrink，towailandweepuntilyoumakealittleplaceforhertherebelow；untilshehassoftenedyourheartandyoutakeheragain，asyourGeraldine，intoyourgrave。Oh，Henry！inthegrave，InolongerwearthefaceofJaneDouglas——thathatedface，whichIwouldtearwithmynails。Inthegrave，IamGeraldineagain。ThereImayagainlieclosetoyourheart，andagainyouwillsaytome:\'Ilovenotyourfaceandyourexternalform！Iloveyouyourself；Iloveyourheartandmind；andthatcanneverchange；andcanneverbeotherwise！\'"

"Silence！"saidhe，roughly；"silence，ifyoudonotwantmetorunmad！Castnotmyownwordsinmyface。Theydefileme，forfalsehoodhasdesecratedandtroddentheminthemire。No！Iwillnotmakeroomforyouinmygrave。IwillnotagaincallyouGeraldine。YouareJaneDouglas，andIhateyou，andIhurlmycurseuponyourcriminalhead！Itellyou——"

Hesuddenlypaused，andaslightconvulsionranthroughhiswholeframe。

JaneDouglasutteredapiercingscream，andsprangfromherknees。

Dayhadbroken；andfromtheprison-towersoundedthedismal，plaintivestrokeofthedeath-bell。

"Doyouhear，JaneDouglas？"saidSurrey。"Thatbellsummonsmetodeath。Youitisthathaspoisonedmylasthour。IwashappywhenI

lovedyou。Idieindespair，forIdespiseandhateyou。"

"No，no，youdarenotdie！"criedshe，clingingtohimwithpassionateanguish。"Youdarenotgotothegravewiththatfiercecurseuponyourlips。Icannotbeyourmurderess。Oh，itisnotpossiblethattheywillputyoutodeath——you，thebeautiful，thenobleandthevirtuousEarlSurrey。MyGod，whathaveyoudonetoexcitetheirwrath？Youareinnocent；andtheyknowit。Theycannotexecuteyou；foritwouldbemurder！Youhavecommittednooffence；

youhavebeenguiltyofnothing；nocrimeattachestoyournobleperson。ItisindeednocrimetoloveJaneDouglas，andmehaveyouloved——mealone。"

"No，notyou，"saidheproudly；"IhavenothingtodowithLadyJaneDouglas。Ilovedthequeen，andIbelievedshereturnedmylove。

Thatismycrime。"

Thedooropened:andinsolemnsilencethelieutenantoftheTowerenteredwiththepriestsandhisassistants。Inthedoorwasseenthebright-reddressoftheheadsman，whowasstandinguponthethresholdwithfacecalmandunmoved。

"Itistime！"solemnlysaidthelieutenant。

Thepriestmutteredhisprayers，andtheassistantsswungtheircensers。Without，thedeath-bellkeptupitswail；andfromthecourtwasheardthehumofthemob，which，curiousandbloodthirstyasiteveris，hadstreamedhithertobeholdwithlaughingmouththebloodofthemanwhobutyesterdaywasitsfavorite。

EarlSurreystoodthereamomentinsilence。Hisfeaturesworkedandwereconvulsed，andadeathlikepallorcoveredhischeeks。

Hetrembled，notatdeath，butatdying。Itseemedtohimthathealreadyfeltonhisneckthecoldbroad-axewhichthatfrightfulmanthereheldinhishand。Oh，todieonthebattle-field——whataboonitwouldhavebeen！Tocometoanendonthescaffold——whatadisgracewasthis！

"HenryHoward，myson，areyoupreparedtodie？"askedthepriest。

"HaveyoumadeyourpeacewithGod？Doyourepentofyoursins，anddoyouacknowledgedeathasarighteousexpiationandpunishment？Doyouforgiveyourenemies，anddeparthenceatpeacewithyourselfandwithmankind？"

"Iampreparedtodie，"saidSurrey，withaproudsmile；"theotherquestions，myfather，IwillanswertomyGod。"

"Doyouconfessthatyouwereawickedtraitor？Anddoyoubegtheforgivenessofyournobleandrighteous，yourexaltedandgoodking，fortheblasphemousinjurytohissacredmajesty？"

EarlSurreylookedhimsteadilyintheeye。"DoyouknowwhatcrimeIamaccusedof？"

Thepriestcastdownhiseyes，andmutteredafewunintelligiblewords。

Withahaughtymovementofthehead，HenryHowardturnedfromthepriesttothelieutenantoftheTower。

"Doyouknowmycrime，mylord？"saidhe。

Butthelordlieutenantalsodroppedhiseyes，andremainedsilent。

HenryHowardsmiled。"Well，now，Iwilltellyou。Ihave，asitbecomesme，myfather\'sson，bornethearmsofourhouseonmyshieldandovertheentranceofmypalace，andithasbeendiscoveredthatthekingbearsthesamearmsthatwedo。Thatismyhightreason！Ihavesaidthatthekingisdeceivedinmanyofhisservants，andoftenpromoteshisfavoritestohighhonorswhichtheydonotdeserve。Thatismyoffenceagainsthismajesty；anditisthatforwhichIshalllaymyheadupontheblock。[Footnote:ThesetwoinsignificantaccusationsweretheonlypointsthatcouldbemadeoutagainsttheEarlofSurrey。Uponthesecharges，broughtbyhismotherandsister，hewasexecuted——Tytler，p。492；Burnet，vol。I，p。75；Leti，vol。I，p。108。]Butmakeyourselfeasy；I

shallmyselfaddtomycrimesonemore，sothattheymaybegrievousenoughtomaketheconscienceoftherighteousandgenerouskingquiet。Ihavegivenupmyhearttoawretchedandcriminallove，andtheGeraldinewhomIhavesunginmanyapoem，andhavecelebratedevenbeforetheking，wasnothingbutamiserablecoquettishstrumpet！"

JaneDouglasgaveascream，andsankuponthegroundasifstruckbylightning。

"Doyourepentofthissin，myson？"askedthepriest。"Doyouturnyourheartawayfromthissinfullove，inordertoturnittoGod？"

"Inotonlyrepentofthislove，butIexecrateit！andnow，myfather，letusgo；foryousee，indeed，mylordisbecomingimpatient。HebearsinmindthatthekingwillfindnorestuntiltheHowardsalsohavegonetorest。Ah，KingHenry！KingHenry！Thoucallestthyselfthemightykingoftheworld，andyetthoutremblestbeforethearmsofthysubject！Mylord，ifyougotothekingto-

day，givehimHenryHoward\'sgreeting；andtellhim，Iwishhisbedmaybeaseasytohimasthegravewillbetome。Now，come，mylords！Itistime。"

Withheadproudlyerectandcalmstep，heturnedtothedoor。ButnowJaneDouglassprangfromtheground；nowsherushedtoHenryHowardandclungtohimwithallthemightofherpassionandagony。

"Ileaveyounot！"criedshe，breathlessandpaleasdeath。"Youdarenotrepulseme，foryouhaveswornthatweshallliveanddietogether。"

Hehurledherfromhiminfiercewrath，anddrewhimselfupbeforeher，loftyandthreatening。

"Iforbidyoutofollowme！"criedhe，inatoneofcommand。Shereeledbackagainstthewallandlookedathim，tremblingandbreathless。

Hewasstilllordoverhersoul；shewasstillsubjecttohiminloveandobedience。Shecouldnotthereforesummonupcouragetodefyhiscommand。

Shebeheldhimashelefttheroomandpasseddownthecorridorwithhisdreadfultrain；sheheardtheirfootstepsgraduallydieaway；

andthensuddenlyintheyardsoundedthehollowrollofthedrum。

JaneDouglasfellonherkneestopray，butherlipstrembledsomuchthatshecouldfindnowordsforherprayer。

Therollofthedrumceasedinthecourtbelow，andonlythedeath-

bellstillcontinuedtowailandwail。Sheheardavoicespeakingloudandpowerfulwords。

Itwashisvoice；itwasHenryHowardthatwasspeaking。Andnowagainthehollowrollofthedrumsdrownedhisvoice。

"Hedies！Hedies，andIamnotwithhim！"criedshe，withashriek；

andshegatheredherselfup，andasifbornebyawhirlwindshedashedoutoftheroom，throughthecorridor，anddownthestairs。

Thereshestoodinthecourt。Thatdreadfulblackpileabovethere，inthemidstofthissquarecrowdedwithmen——thatwasthescaffold。

Yondershebeheldhimprostrateonhisknees。Shebeheldtheaxeintheheadsman\'shand；shesawhimraiseitforthefatalstroke。

Shewasawomannolonger，butalioness！Notadropofbloodwasinhercheeks。Hernostrilswereexpandedandhereyesdartedlightning。

Shedrewoutadaggerthatshehadconcealedinherbosom，andmadeapaththroughtheamazed，frightened，yieldingcrowd。

Withonespringshehadrushedupthestepsofthescaffold。Shenowstoodbyhimonthetopofit——closebythatkneelingfigure。

Therewasaflashthroughtheair。Sheheardapeculiarwhiz——thenahollowblow。Aredvapor-likestreakofbloodspurtedup，andcoveredJaneDouglaswithitscrimsonflood。

"Icome，Henry，Icome！"criedshe，withawildshout。"Ishallbewiththeeindeath！"Andagaintherewasaflashthroughtheair。ItwasthedaggerthatJaneDouglasplungedintoherheart。

Shehadstruckwell。Nosound——nogroanburstfromherlips。Withaproudsmileshesankbyherlover\'sheadlesscorpse，andwithalastdyingeffortshesaidtothehorrifiedheadsman:"Letmesharehisgrave！HenryHoward，inlifeandindeathIamwiththee！"

CHAPTERXXXIII。

NEWINTRIGUES。

HenryHowardwasdead；andnowonewouldhavethoughtthekingmightbesatisfiedandquiet，andthatsleepwouldnolongerfleefromhiseyelids，sinceHenryHoward，hisgreatrival，hadclosedhiseyesforever；sinceHenryHowardwasnolongerthere，tostealawayhiscrown，tofilltheworldwiththegloryofhisdeeds，todimthegeniusofthekingbyhisownfameasapoet。

Butthekingwasstilldissatisfied。Sleepstillfledfromhiscouch。

Thecauseofthiswasthathisworkwasonlyjusthalfdone。HenryHoward\'sfather，theDukeofNorfolk，stilllived。Thecauseofthiswas，thatthekingwasalwaysobligedtothinkofthispowerfulrival；andthesethoughtschasedsleepfromhiseyelids。HissoulwassickoftheHowards；thereforehisbodysufferedsuchterriblepains。IftheDukeofNorfolkwouldclosehiseyesindeath，thenwouldthekingalsobeabletoclosehisagaininrefreshingsleep！

Butthiscourtofpeers——andonlybysuchacourtcouldthedukebejudged——thiscourtofpeerswassoslowanddeliberate！Itworkedfarlessrapidly，andwasnotnearsoserviceable，astheParliamentwhichhadsoquicklycondemnedHenryHoward。WhymusttheoldHowardbearaducaltitle？Whywashenotlikehisson，onlyanearl，sothattheobedientParliamentmightcondemnhim？

Thatwastheking\'sinextinguishablegrief，hisgnawingpain，whichmadehimravingwithfuryandheatedhisblood，andtherebyincreasedthepainsofhisbody。

Heravedandroaredwithimpatience。Throughthehallsofhispalaceresoundedhissavagevituperation。Itmadeeveryonetrembleandquake，fornoonewassurethatitwasnothethatwastofallthatdayavictimtotheking\'sfury。Noonecouldknowwhethertheking\'sever-increasingthirstforbloodwouldnotthatdaydoomhim。

Withthemostjealousstrictnesstheking，fromhissick-couch，watchedoverhisroyaldignity；andtheleastfaultagainstthatmightarousehiswrathandbloodthirstiness。WoetothosewhowantedstilltomaintainthatthepopewastheheadoftheChurch！WoetothosewhoventuredtocallGodtheonlyLordoftheChurch，andhonorednotthekingastheChurch\'sholyprotector！Theone，liketheother，weretraitorsandsinners，andhehadProtestantsandRomanCatholicsalikeexecuted，howeverneartheystoodtohisownperson，andhowevercloselyhewasotherwiseboundtothem。

Whoever，therefore，couldavoidit，kepthimselffarfromthedreadedpersonoftheking；andwhoeverwasconstrainedbydutytobenearhim，trembledforhislife，andcommendedhissoultoGod。

Therewereonlyfourpersonswhodidnotfeartheking，andwhoseemedtobesafefromhisdestroyingwrath。Therewasthequeen，whonursedhimwithdevotedattention，andJohnHeywood，whowithuntiringzealsustainedCatharineinherdifficulttask，andwhostillsometimessucceededinwinningasmilefromtheking。Therewere，furthermore，Gardiner，bishopofWinchester，andEarlDouglas。

LadyJaneDouglaswasdead。Thekinghadthereforeforgivenherfather，andagainshownhimselfgraciousandfriendlytothedeeply-

bowedearl。Besides，itwassuchanagreeableandrefreshingfeelingtothesufferingkingtohavesomeoneabouthimwhosufferedyetmorethanhehimself！Itcomfortedhimtoknowthattherecouldbeagoniesyetmorehorriblethanthosepainsofthebodyunderwhichhelanguished。EarlDouglassufferedtheseagonies；andthekingsawwithakindofdelighthowhishairturneddailymoregray，andhisfeaturesbecamemorerelaxedandfeeble。Douglaswasyoungerthantheking，andyethowoldandgrayhisfacewasbesidetheking\'swell-fedandbloomingcountenance！

Couldthekinghaveseenthebottomofhissoul，hewouldhavehadlesssympathywithEarlDouglas\'ssorrow。

Heconsideredhimonlyasatenderfathermourningthedeathofhisonlychild。HedidnotsuspectthatitwaslessthefatherthatJane\'spainfuldeathhadsmitten，thantheambitiousman，thefanaticalRomanCatholic，theenthusiasticdiscipleofLoyola，whowithdismaysawallhisplansfrustrated，andthemomentdrawingnighwhenhewouldbedivestedofthatpowerandconsiderationwhichheenjoyedinthesecretleagueofthedisciplesofJesus。Withhim，therefore，itwaslessthedaughter，forwhomhemourned，thantheking\'sseventhwife。AndthatCatharineworethecrown，andnothisdaughter——notJaneDouglas——hisitwasthathecouldneverforgivethequeen。

HewantedtotakevengeanceonthequeenforJane\'sdeath；hewantedtopunishCatharineforhisfrustratedhopes，forhisdesiresthatshehadtrampledupon。ButEarlDouglasdurstnothimselfventuretomakeanotherattempttoprejudicetheking\'smindagainsthisconsort。Henryhadinterdictedhimfromitunderthepenaltyofhiswrath。Withwordsofthreatening，hehadwarnedhimfromsuchanattempt；andEarlDouglasverywellknewthatKingHenrywasinflexibleinhisdetermination，whenthematterunderconsiderationwastheexecutionofathreatenedpunishment，YetwhatDouglasdurstnotventure，thatGardinercouldventure——Gardiner，who，thankstothecapriciousnessofthesickking，hadforthefewdayspastenjoyedagaintheroyalfavorsounreservedlythatthenobleArchbishopCranmerhadreceivedorderstoleavethecourtandretiretohisepiscopalresidenceatLambeth。

Catharinehadseenhimdepartwithanxiousforebodings；forCranmerhadeverbeenherfriendandhersupport。Hismildandserenecountenancehadeverbeentoherlikeastarofpeaceinthemidstofthistempest-tossedandpassion-lashedcourtlife；andhisgentleandnoblewordshadalwaysfallenlikeasoothingbalmonherpoortremblingheart。

Shefeltthatwithhisdepartureshelosthernoblestsupport，herstrengtheningaid，andthatshewasnowsurroundedonlybyenemiesandopponents。True，shestillhadJohnHeywood，thefaithfulfriend，theindefatigableservant；butsinceGardinerhadexercisedhissinisterinfluenceovertheking\'smind，JohnHeywooddurstscarcelyriskhimselfinHenry\'spresence。True，shehadalsoThomasSeymour，herlover；butsheknewandfeltthatshewaseverywheresurroundedbyspiesandeavesdroppers，andthatnowitrequirednothingmorethananinterviewwithThomasSeymour——afewtenderwords——perchanceevenonlyalookfullofmutualunderstandingandlove，inordertosendhimandhertothescaffold。

Shetremblednotforherself，butforherlover。Thatmadehercautiousandthoughtful。ThatgavehercouragenevertoshowThomasSeymourotherthanacold，seriousface；nevertomeethimotherwisethaninthecircleofhercourt；nevertosmileonhim；nevertogivehimherhand。

Shewas，however，certainofherfuture。Sheknewthatadaywouldcomeonwhichtheking\'sdeathwoulddeliverherfromherburdensomegrandeurandherpainfulroyalcrown；whensheshouldbefree——freetogiveherhandtothemanwhomaloneonearthsheloved，andtobecomehiswife。

Shewaitedforthatday，astheprisonerdoesforthehourofhisrelease；butlikehimsheknewthataprematureattempttoescapefromherdungeonwouldbringheronlyruinanddeath，andnotfreedom。

Shemustbepatientandwait。Shemustgiveupallpersonalintercoursewithherlover；andevenhislettersJohnHeywoodcouldbringherbutveryseldom，andonlywiththegreatestcaution。HowoftenalreadyhadnotJohnHeywoodconjuredhertogiveupthiscorrespondencealso！howoftenhadhenotwithtearsinhiseyesbesoughthertorenouncethislove，whichmightonedaybeherruinandherdeath！Catharinelaughedathisgloomyforebodings，andopposedtohisdarkpropheciesabraveryreliantonthefuture，thejoyouscourageofherlove。

Shewouldnotdie，forhappinessandlovewereawaitingher；shewouldnotrenouncehappinessandlove，forthesakeofwhichshecouldendurethislifeinotherrespects——thislifeofperil，ofresignation，ofenmity，andofhatred。

Butshewantedtoliveinordertobehappyhereafter。Thisthoughtmadeherbraveandresolute；itgavehercouragetodefyherenemieswithserenebrowandsmilinglip；itenabledhertositwithbrighteyeandrosycheeksatthesideofherdreadedandseverehusband，and，withcheerfulwitandinexhaustiblegood-humor，jestawaythefrownfromhisbrow，andvexationfromhissoul。

Butjustbecauseshecoulddothis，shewasadangerousantagonisttoDouglasandGardiner。Justonthataccount，itwastobetheirhighestefforttodestroythisbeautifulyoungwoman，whodurstdefythemandweakentheirinfluencewiththeking。Iftheycouldbutsucceedinrenderingtheking\'smindmoreandmoregloomy；iftheycouldbutcompletelyfillhimagainwithfanaticalreligiouszeal；

then，andthenonly，couldtheyhopetoattaintheirend；whichendwasthis:tobringbackthekingasacontrite，penitent，andhumblesonoftheonlysavingmotherChurch，andtomakehimagain，fromaproud，vain，andimperiousprince，anobedientandsubmissivesonofthepope。

ThekingwastorenouncethisvainandblasphemousarroganceofwishingtobehimselfheadofhisChurch。Hewastoturnawayfromthespiritofnoveltyandheresy，andagainbecomeafaithfulanddevoutCatholic。

Butinorderthattheymightattainthisend，Catharinemustberemovedfromhim；hemustnolongerbeholdherrosyandbeautifulface，andnolongerallowhimselftobedivertedbyhersensiblediscourseandherkeenwit。

"Weshallnotbeabletooverthrowthequeen，"saidEarlDouglastoGardiner，asthetwostoodintheking\'santeroom，andasCatharine\'scheerfulchit-chatandtheking\'smerrylaughcamepealingtothemfromtheadjoiningroom。"No，no，Gardiner，sheistoopowerfulandtoocrafty。Thekinglovesherverymuch；andsheissuchanagreeableandrefreshingrecreationtohim。"

"Justonthataccountwemustwithdrawherfromhim，"saidGardiner，withadarkfrown。"Hemustturnawayhisheartfromthisearthlylove；andafterweshallhavemortifiedthisloveinhim，thissavageandarrogantmanwillreturntousandtoGod，contriteandhumble。"Butweshallnotbeabletomortifyit，friend。Itissoardentandselfishalove。

"Somuchthegreaterwillbethetriumph，ifourholyadmonitionsaresuccessfulintouchinghisheart，Douglas。Itistruehewillsufferverymuchifheisobligedtogiveupthiswoman。Butheneedspreciselythissufferinginordertobecomecontriteandpenitent。Hismindmustfirstbeentirelydarkened，sothatwecanilluminateitwiththelightoffaith。HemustfirstberenderedperfectlyisolatedandcomfortlessinordertobringhimbacktotheholycommunionoftheChurch，andto，findhimagainaccessibletotheconsolationsofthatfaithwhichalonecansave。"

"Ah，"sighedDouglas，"Ifearthatthiswillbeauselessstruggle。

Thekingissovainofhisself-constitutedhigh-priesthood！"

"Butheissuchaweakman，andsuchagreatsinner！"saidGardiner，withacoldsmile。"HetremblessomuchatdeathandGod\'sjudgment，andourholymothertheChurchcangivehimabsolution，andbyherholysacramentsrenderdeatheasytohim。Heisawickedsinnerandhasstingsofconscience。ThisitisthatwillbringhimbackagaintothebosomoftheCatholicChurch。"

"Butwhenwillthatcometopass？Thekingissick，andanydaymayputanendtohislife。Woetous，ifhediebeforehehasgiventhepowerintoourhands，andnominatedushisexecutors！Woetous，ifthequeenisappointedregent，andthekingselectstheSeymoursasherministers！Oh，mywiseandpiousfather，theworkthatyouwishtodomustbedonesoon，oritmustremainforeverunaccomplished。"

"Itshallbedonethisveryday，"saidGardiner，solemnly；andbendingdownclosertotheearl\'sear，hecontinued:"wehavelulledthequeenintoassuranceandself-confidence，andbythismeanssheshallberuinedthisveryday。Shereliessostronglyonherpowerovertheking\'sdisposition，thatsheoftensummonsupcourageeventocontradicthim，andtosetherownwillinoppositiontohis。

Thatshallbeherruinthisveryday！Formarkwell，earl；thekingisnowagainlikeatigerthathasbeenlongfasting。Hethirstsforblood！Thequeenhasanaversiontohumanblood，andsheishorrifiedwhenshehearsofexecutions。Sowemustmanagethattheseopposinginclinationsmaycomeintocontact，andcontendwitheachother。"

"Oh，Iunderstandnow，"whisperedDouglas；"andIbowinreverencebeforethewisdomofyourhighness。Youwillletthembothcontendwiththeirownweapons。"

"Iwillpointoutawelcomepreytohisappetiteforblood，andgivehersillycompassionanopportunitytocontendwiththekingforhisprey。Doyounotthink，earl，thatthiswillbeanamusingspectacle，andonerefreshingtotheheart，toseehowthetigeranddovestrugglewitheachother？AndItellyouthetigerthirstssomuchforblood！Bloodistheonlybalmthatheappliestohisachinglimbs，andbywhichaloneheimaginesthathecanrestorepeaceandcouragetohistorturedconscienceandhisdreadofdeath。Ah，ha！

wehavetoldhimthat，witheachnewexecutionofaheretic，oneofhisgreatsinswouldbeblottedout，andthatthebloodoftheCalvinistsservestowashoutofhisaccount-booksomeofhisevildeeds。HewouldbesogladtobeabletoappearpureandguiltlessbeforethetribunalofhisGod！Thereforeheneedsverymuchhereticalblood。Buthark——thehourstrikeswhichsummonsmetotheroyalchamber！Therehasbeenenoughofthequeen\'slaughingandchit-chat。Wewillnowendeavortobanishthesmileforeverfromherface。Sheisaheretic；anditisapiouswork，wellpleasingtoGod，ifweplungeherheadlongintoruin！"

"MayGodbewithyourhighness，andassistyoubyHisgrace，thatyoumayaccomplishthissublimework！"

"Godwillbewithus，myson，sinceforHimitisthatwelaborandharassourselves。ToHishonorandpraisewebringthesemisbelievinghereticstothestake，andmaketheairre-echowiththeagonizingshrieksofthosewhoarerackedandtortured。ThatismusicwellpleasingtoGod；andtheangelsinheavenwilltriumphandbegladwhenthehereticalandinfidelQueenCatharinealsohastostrikeupthismusicofthedamned。NowIgototheholylaborofloveandgodlywrath。Prayforme，myson，thatImaysucceed。

Remainhereintheanteroom，andawaitmycall；perhapsweshallneedyou。Prayforus，andwithus。Ah，westillowethishereticalqueenagrudgeforAnneAskew。To-daywewillpayher。Thensheaccusedus，to-daywewillaccuseher，andGodandHishostofsaintsandangelsarewithus。"

Andthepiousandgodlypriestcrossedhimself，andwithheadhumblybowedandasoftsmileabouthisthin，bloodlesslips，strodethroughthehallinordertobetakehimselftotheking\'schamber。

CHAPTERXXXIV。

THEKINGANDTHEPRIEST。

"Godblessandpreserveyourmajesty！"saidGardinerasheentered，totheking，whojustthenwassittingwiththequeenatthechess-

board。Withfrowningbrowandcompressedlipshelookedoverthegame，whichstoodunfavorableforhim，andthreatenedhimwithaspeedycheckmate。

Itwasnotwiseinthequeennottoletthekingwin；forhissuperstitiousandjealoustemperlookeduponsuchawongameofchessaswithalanassaultonhisownperson。AndhewhoventuredtoconquerhimatchesswasalwaystoHenryasortoftraitorthatthreatenedhiskingdom，andwasrashenoughtoattempttoseizethecrown。

Thequeenverywellknewthat，but——Gardinerwasright——shewastooself-confident。Shetrustedalittletoherpowerovertheking；sheimaginedhewouldmakeanexceptioninherfavor。Anditwassodulltobeobligedevertobethelosingandconqueredpartyatthisgame；topermitthekingalwaystoappearasthetriumphantvictor，andtobestowonhisgamepraisewhichhedidnotdeserve。Catharinewantedtoallowherselfforoncethetriumphofhavingbeatenherhusband。Shefoughthimmantoman；sheirritatedhimbytheever-

approachingdanger。Theking，whoatthebeginninghadbeencheerful，andlaughedwhenCatharinetookuponeofhispieces——thekingnownolongerlaughed。Itwasnomoreagame。Itwasaseriousstruggle；andhecontendedwithhisconsortforthevictorywithimpassionedeagerness。Catharinedidnotevenseethecloudswhichweregatheringontheking\'sbrow。Herlooksweredirectedonlytothechess-board；and，breathlesswithexpectationandglowingwitheagerness，sheconsideredthemoveshewasabouttomake。

ButGardinerwasverywellawareoftheking\'ssecretanger；andhecomprehendedthatthesituationwasfavorableforhim。

Withsoft，sneakingstepheapproachedtheking，and，standingbehindhim，lookedoverthegame。

"Youarecheckmatedinfourmoves，myhusband！"saidthequeenwithacheerfullaugh，asshemadehermove。

Astilldarkerfrowngatheredontheking\'sbrow，andhislipswereviolentlycompressed。

"Itistrue，yourmajesty，"saidGardiner。"Youwillsoonhavetosuccumb。Dangerthreatensyoufromthequeen。"

Henrygaveastart，andturnedhisfacetoGardinerwithanexpressionofinquiry。Inhisexasperatedmoodagainstthequeen，thecraftypriest\'sambiguousremarkstruckhimwithdoublekeenness。

Gardinerwasaveryskilfulhunter；theveryfirstarrowthatheshothadhit。ButCatharine，too，hadhearditwhiz。Gardiner\'sslow，ambiguouswordshadstartledherfromherartlesssecurity；

andasshenowlookedintotheking\'sglowing，excitedface，shecomprehendedherwantofprudence。

Butitwastoolatetoremedyit。Theking\'scheckmatewasunavoidable；andHenryhimselfhadalreadynoticedhisdefeat。

"Itisallright！"saidtheking，impetuously。"Youhavewon，Catharine，and，bytheholymotherofGod！youcanboastoftheraregoodfortuneofhavingvanquishedHenryofEngland！"

"Iwillnotboastofit，mynoblehusband！"saidshe，withasmile。

"Youhaveplayedwithmeastheliondoeswiththepuppy，whichhedoesnotcrushonlybecausehehascompassiononhim，andhepitiesthepoorlittlecreature。Lion，Ithankyou。Youhavebeenmagnanimousto-day。Youhaveletmewin。"

Theking\'sfacebrightenedalittle。Gardinersawit。HemustpreventCatharinefromfollowingupheradvantagefurther。

"Magnanimityisanexalted，butaverydangerousvirtue，"saidhe，gravely；"andkingsaboveallthingsdarenotexerciseit；formagnanimitypardonscrimescommitted，andkingsarenotheretopardon，buttopunish。"

"Oh，no，indeed，"saidCatharine；"tobeabletobemagnanimousisthenoblestprerogativeofkings；andsincetheyareGod\'srepresentativesonearth，theytoomustexercisepityandmercy，likeGodhimself。"

Theking\'sbrowagaingrewdark，andhissullenlooksstaredatthechess-board。

Gardinershruggedhisshoulders，andmadenoreply。Hedrewarollofpapersoutofhisgownandhandedittotheking。

"Sire，"saidhe，"Ihopeyoudonotsharethequeen\'sviews；elseitwouldbebadforthequietandpeaceofthecountry。Mankindcannotbegovernedbymercy，butonlythroughfear。Yourmajestyholdstheswordinhishands。Ifyouhesitatetoletitfallonevil-doers，theywillsoonwrestitfromyourhands，andyouwillbepowerless！"

"Thoseareverycruelwords，yourhighness！"exclaimedCatharine，whoallowedherselftobecarriedawaybyhermagnanimousheart，andsuspectedthatGardinerhadcometomovethekingtosomeharshandbloodydecision。

Shewantedtoanticipatehisdesign；shewantedtomovethekingtomildness。Butthemomentwasunpropitiousforher。

Theking，whomshehadjustbeforeirritatedbyhervictoryoverhim，felthisvexationheightenedbytheoppositionwhichsheofferedtothebishop；forthisoppositionwasatthesametimedirectedagainsthimself。Thekingwasnotatallinclinedtoexercisemercy；itwas，therefore，averywickednotionofthequeen\'stopraisemercyasthehighestprivilegeofprinces。

Withasilentnodofthehead，hetookthepapersfromGardiner\'shands，andopenedthem。

"Ah，"saidhe，runningoverthepages，"yourhighnessisright；mendonotdeservetobetreatedwithmercy，fortheyarealwaysreadytoabuseit。Becausewehaveforafewweekslightednofagot-pilesanderectednoscaffolds，theyimaginethatweareasleep；andtheybegintheirtreasonableandmischievousdoingswithredoubledviolence，andraisetheirsinfulfistsagainstus，inordertomockus。IseehereanaccusationagainstonewhohaspresumedtosaythatthereisnokingbythegraceofGod；andthatthekingisamiserableandsinfulmortal，justaswellasthelowestbeggar。

Well，wewillconcedethismanhispoint——wewillnotbetohimakingbythegraceofGod，butakingbythewrathofGod！Wewillshowhimthatwearenotyetquitelikethelowestbeggar，forwestillpossessatleastwoodenoughtobuildapileoffagotsforhim。"

Andasthekingthusspoke，hebrokeoutintoaloudlaugh，inwhichGardinerheartilychimed。

"HereIbeholdtheindictmentoftwootherswhodenytheking\'ssupremacy，"continuedHenry，stillturningovertheleavesofthepapers。"Theyrevilemeasablasphemer，becauseIdarecallmyselfGod\'srepresentative——thevisibleheadofHisholyChurch；theysaythatGodaloneisLordofHisChurch，andthatLutherandCalvinaremoreexaltedrepresentativesofGodthanthekinghimself。VerilywemustholdourroyaltyandourGod-granteddignityverycheap，ifweshouldnotpunishthesetransgressors，whoblasphemeinoursacredpersonGodHimself。"

Hecontinuedturningovertheleaves。Suddenlyadeepflushofangersuffusedhiscountenance，andafiercecurseburstfromhislips。Hethrewthepaperonthetable，andstruckitwithhisclenchedfist。

"Areallthedevilsletloose，then？"yelledhe，inwrath。"Doesseditionblazesowildlyinmyland，thatwehavenolongerthepowertosubdueit？HereafanaticalhereticonthepublicstreethaswarnedthepeoplenottoreadthatholybookwhichImyself，likeawell-intentionedandprovidentfatherandguardian，wroteformypeople，andgaveitthemthattheymightbeedifiedandexaltedthereby。Andthisbookthatfelonhasshowntothepeople，andsaidtothem:\'Youcallthattheking\'sbook；andyouareright；foritisawickedbook，aworkofhell，andthedevilistheking\'ssponsor！\'Ah，Iseewellwemustagainshowourearnestandangryfacetothismiserable，traitorousrabble，thatitmayagainhavefaithintheking。Itisawretched，disgusting，andcontemptiblemob——thispeople！Theyareobedientandhumbleonlywhentheytrembleandfeelthelash。Onlywhentheyaretrampledinthedust，dotheyacknowledgethatwearetheirmaster；andwhenwehaverackedthemandburnt，theyhaverespectforourexcellency。Wemust，however，brandroyaltyontheirbodiessothattheymaybesensibleofitasareality。AndbytheeternalGod，wewilldothat！GivemethepenherethatImaysignandratifythesewarrants。Butdipthepenwell，yourhighness，forthereareeightwarrants，andImustwritemynameeighttimes。Ah，ah，itisahardandfatiguingoccupationtobeaking，andnodaypasseswithouttroubleandtoil！"

"TheLordourGodwillblessthistoiltoyou！"saidGardiner，solemnly，ashehandedthekingthepen。

Henrywaspreparingtowrite，asCatharinelaidherhandonhis，andcheckedhim。

"Donotsignthem，myhusband，"saidshe，inavoiceofentreaty。

"Oh，byallthatissacredtoyou，Iconjureyounottoletyourselfbecarriedawaybyyourmomentaryvexation；letnottheinjuredmanbemightierinyouthantherighteousking。Letthesunsetandriseonyourwrath；andthen，whenyouareperfectlycalm，perfectlycomposed——thenpronouncejudgmentontheseaccused。Forconsideritwell，myhusband，theseareeightdeath-warrantsthatyouarehereabouttosign；andwiththesefewstrokesofthepen，youwillteareighthumanbeingsfromlife，fromfamily，andfromtheworld；youwilltakefromthemother，herson；fromthewife，herhusband；andfromtheinfantchildren，theirfather。Considerit，Henry；itissoweightyaresponsibilitythatGodhasplacedinyourhand，anditispresumptuousnottomeetitinholyearnestnessandundisturbedtranquillityofmind。"

"Now，bytheholymother！"criedtheking，strikingvehementlyuponthetable，"Ibelieve，forsooth，youdareexcusetraitorsandblasphemersoftheirking！Youhavenotheardthenofwhattheyareaccused？"

"Ihaveheardit，"saidCatharine，moreandmorewarmly；"Ihaveheard，andIsay，nevertheless，signnotthosedeath-warrants，myhusband。Itistruethesepoorcreatureshavegrievouslyerred，buttheyerredashumanbeings。Thenletyourpunishmentalsobehuman。

Itisnotwise，Oking，towanttoavengesobitterlyatriflinginjurytoyourmajesty。Akingmustbeexaltedaboverevilingandcalumny。Likethesun，hemustshineuponthejustandtheunjust，nooneofwhomissomightythathecancloudhissplendoranddimhisglory。Punishevil-doersandcriminals，butbenobleandmagnanimoustowardthosewhohaveinjuredyourperson。"

"Thekingisnopersonthatcanbeinjured！"saidGardiner。"Thekingisasublimeidea，amighty，world-embracingthought。Whoeverinjurestheking，hasnotinjuredaperson，butadivinelyinstitutedroyalty——theuniversalthoughtthatholdstogetherthewholeworld！"

"WhoeverinjuresthekinghasinjuredGod！"yelledtheking；"andwhoeverseizesourcrownandrevilesus，shallhavehishandstruckoff，andhistonguetornout，asisdonetoatheistsandpatricides！"

"Well，strikeofftheirhandthen，mutilatethem；butdonotkillthem！"criedCatharine，passionately。"Ascertainatleastwhethertheircrimeissogrievousastheywanttomakeyoubelieve，myhusband。Oh，itissoeasynowtobeaccusedasatraitorandatheist！Allthatisneededforitisaninconsiderateword，adoubt，notastoGod，buttohispriestsandthisChurchwhichyou，myking，haveestablished；andofwhichtheloftyandpeculiarstructureistomanysonewandunusualthattheyaskthemselvesindoubtwhetherthatisaChurchofGodorapalaceoftheking，andthattheylosethemselvesinitslabyrinthinepassages，andwanderaboutwithoutbeingabletofindtheexit。"

"Hadtheyfaith，"saidGardiner，solemnly，"theywouldnotlosetheirway；andwereGodwiththem，theentrancewouldnotbeclosedtothem。"

"Oh，IwellknowthatYOUarealwaysinexorable！"criedCatharine，angrily。"ButitisnottoyoueitherthatIintercedeformercy，buttotheking；andItellyou，sirbishop，itwouldbebetterforyou，andmoreworthyofapriestofChristianlove，ifyouunitedyourprayerswithmine，insteadofwantingtodisposetheking\'snoblehearttoseverity。Youareapriest；andyouhavelearnedinyourownlifethattherearemanypathsthatleadtoGod，andthatwe，oneandall，doubtandareperplexedwhichofthemisright。"

"How！"screamedtheking，asherosefromhisseatandgazedatCatharinewithangrylooks。"Youmean，then，thatthehereticsalsomayfindthemselvesonapaththatleadstoGod？"

"Imean，"criedshe，passionately，"thatJesusChrist，too，wascalledanatheist，andexecuted。ImeanthatStephenwasstonedbyPaul，andthat，nevertheless，botharenowhonoredassaintsandprayedtoassuch。Imean，thatSocrateswasnotdamnedbecausehelivedbeforeChrist，andsocouldnotbeacquaintedwithhisreligion；andthatHoraceandJuliusCaesar，PhidiasandPlato，mustyetbecalledgreatandnoblespirits，eventhoughtheywereheathen。Yes，mylordandhusband，Imeanthatitbehoovesuswelltoexercisegentlenessinmattersofreligion，andthatfaithisnottobeobtrudedonmenbymainforceasaburden，butistobebestoweduponthemasabenefitthroughtheirownconviction。"

"Soyoudonotholdtheseeightaccusedtobecriminalsworthyofdeath？"askedHenrywithstudiedcalmness，andacomposuremaintainedwithdifficulty。

"No，myhusband！Iholdthattheyarepoor，erringmortals，whoseektherightpath，andwouldwillinglytravelit；andwho，therefore，askindoubtallalong，\'Isthistherightway？\'"

"Itisenough！"saidtheking，ashebeckonedGardinertohim，and，leaningonhisarm，tookafewstepsacrosstheroom。"Wewillspeaknomoreofthesematters。Theyaretoograveforustowishtodecidetheminthepresenceofourgayyoungqueen。Theheartofwomanisalwaysinclinedtogentlenessandforgiveness。Youshouldhavebornethatinmind，Gardiner，andnothavespokenofthesemattersinthequeen\'spresence。"

"Sire，itwas，however，thehourthatyouappointedforconsultationonthesematters。"

"Wasitthehour！"exclaimedtheking，quickly。"Well，thenwedidwrongtodevoteittoanythingelsethangraveemployments；andyouwillpardonme，queen，ifIbegyoutoleavemealonewiththebishop。Affairsofstatemustnotbepostponed。"

HepresentedCatharinehishand，andwithdifficulty，andyetwithasmilingcountenance，conductedhertothedoor。Asshestopped，and，lookinghimintheeyewithanexpressioninquiringandanxious，openedherlipstospeaktohim，hemadeanimpatientgesturewithhishand，andadarkfrowngatheredonhisbrow。

"Itislate，"saidhe，hastily，"andwehavebusinessofstate。"

Catharinedidnotventuretospeak；shebowedinsilenceandlefttheroom。Thekingwatchedherwithsullenbrowandangrylooks。

ThenheturnedroundtoGardiner。

"Now，"askedhe，"whatdoyouthinkofthequeen？"

"Ithink，"saidGardiner，soslowlyandsodeliberatelythateachwordhadtimetopenetratetheking\'ssensitiveheartliketheprickofaneedle——"Ithinkthatshedoesnotdeemthemcriminalsthatcalltheholybookwhichyouhavewrittenaworkofhell；andthatshehasagreatdealofsympathyforthosehereticswhowillnotacknowledgeyoursupremacy。"

"Bytheholymother，Ibelievesheherselfwouldspeakthus，andavowherselfamongmyenemies，ifshewerenotmywife！"criedtheking，inwhoseheartragebeganalreadytoseethelikelavainavolcano。

"Shedoesitalready，althoughsheisyourwife，sire！Sheimaginesherexaltedpositionrendersherunamenable，andprotectsherfromyourrighteouswrath；thereforeshedoeswhatnooneelsedaresdo，andspeakswhatinthemouthofanyotherwouldbetheblackesttreason。"

"Whatdoesshe？andwhatsaysshe？"criedtheking。"Donothesitatetotellme，yourhighness。Itbehoovesmewelltoknowwhatmywifedoesandsays。"

"Sire，sheisnotmerelythesecretpatronessofhereticsandreformers，butsheisalsoaprofessoroftheirfaith。Shelistenstotheirfalsedoctrinewitheagermind，andreceivesthecursedpriestsofthissectintoherapartments，inordertoheartheirfanaticaldiscourseandhellishinspiration。ShespeaksofthesehereticsastruebelieversandChristians；anddenominatesLutherthelightthatGodhassentintotheworldtoilluminatethegloomandfalsehoodoftheChurchwiththesplendoroftruthandlove——

thatLuther，sire，whodaredwriteyousuchshamefulandinsultingletters，andridiculedinsuchabrutalmanneryourroyaltyandyourwisdom。"

"Sheisaheretic；andwhenyousaythat，yousayeverything！"

screamedtheking。Thevolcanowasripeforaneruption，andtheseethinglavamustatlasthaveanoutlet。"Yes，sheisaheretic！"

repeatedtheking；"andyetwehavesworntoexterminatetheseatheistsfromourland。"

"Sheverywellknowsthatsheissecurefromyourwrath，"saidGardiner，withashrugofhisshoulders。"Shereliesonthefactthatsheisthequeen，andthatintheheartofherexaltedhusbandloveismightierthanthefaith。"

"Nobodyshallsupposethatheissecurefrommywrath，andnooneshallrelyonthesecurityaffordedhimbymylove。Sheisaproud，arrogant，andaudaciouswoman！"criedtheking，whoselookswerejustthenfixedagainonthechess-board，andwhosespitewasheightenedbytheremembranceofthelostgame。"Sheventurestobraveus，andtohaveawillotherthanours。Bytheholymother，wewillendeavortobreakherstubbornness，andbendherproudneckbeneathourwill！Yes，IwillshowtheworldthatHenryofEnglandisstilltheimmovableandincorruptible。IwillgivethehereticsanevidencethatIaminrealitythedefenderandprotectorofthefaithandofreligioninmyland，andthatnobodystandstoohightobestruckbymywrath，andtofeeltheswordofjusticeonhisneck。

Sheisaheretic；andwehavesworntodestroyhereticswithfireandsword。Weshallkeepouroath。"

"AndGodwillblessyouwithHisblessing。Hewillsurroundyourheadwithahalooffame；andtheChurchwillpraiseyouashermostgloriouspastor，herexaltedhead。"

"Beitso！"saidtheking，aswithyouthfulalacrityhestrodeacrosstheroom；and，steppingtohiswriting-table，withavigorousandfleethandhewrotedownafewlines。Gardinerstoodinthemiddleoftheroomwithhishandsfolded；andhislipsmurmuredinanundertoneaprayer，whilehislargeflashingeyeswerefastenedonthekingwithacuriousandpenetratingexpression。

"Here，yourhighness，"thekingthensaid，"takethispaper——takeitandordereverythingnecessary。Itisanarrest-warrant；andbeforethenightdrawson，thequeenshallbeintheTower。"

"Verily，theLordismightyinyou！"criedGardiner，ashetookthepaper；"theheavenlyhostssingtheirhallelujahandlookdownwithraptureontheherowhosubdueshisownhearttoserveGodandtheChurch。"

"Takeitandspeedyou！"saidtheking，hastily。"Inafewhourseverythingmustbedone。GiveEarlDouglasthepaper，andbidhimgowithittothelord-lieutenantoftheTower，sothathehimselfmayrepairhitherwiththeyeomenoftheguard。Forthiswomanisyetaqueen，andeveninthecriminalIwillstillrecognizethequeen。

Thelord-lieutenanthimselfmustconducthertotheTower。Hastenthen，sayI！But，harkyou，keepallthisasecret，andletnobodyknowanythingofittillthedecisivemomentarrives。Otherwiseherfriendsmighttakeanotiontoimploremymercyforthissinner；andIabhorthiswhiningandcrying。Silence，then，forIamtiredandneedrestandsleep。Ihave，asyousay，justdoneaworkwellpleasingtoGod；perhapsHemaysendme，asarewardforit，invigoratingandstrengtheningsleep，whichIhavenowsolongdesiredinvain。"

Andthekingthrewbackthecurtainsofhiscouch，and，supportedbyGardiner，laidhimselfonthedownycushion。

Gardinerdrewthecurtainsagain，andthrustthefatalpaperintohispocket。Eveninhishandsitdidnotseemtohimsecureenough。

What！mightnotsomecuriouseyefastenonit，anddivineitscontents？Mightnotsomeimpertinentandshamelessfriendofthequeensnatchthispaperfromhim，andcarryittoherandgiveherwarning？No，no，itwasnotsecureenoughinhishands。Hemusthideitinthepocketofhisgown。There，noonecouldfindit，noonediscoverit。

Sotherehehidit。Inthegownwithitslargefoldsitwassafe；

and，afterhehadthusconcealedthepreciouspaper，helefttheroomwithrapidstrides，inordertoacquaintEarlDouglaswiththegloriousresultofhisplans。

Notasingletimedidhelookback。Hadhedoneso，hewouldhavesprungbackintothatroomasatigerpouncesonhisprey。Hewouldhaveplunged，asthehawkstoopsatthedove，atthatpieceofwhitepaperthatlaythereonthefloor，exactlyonthespotwhereGardinerwasbeforestandingwhenheplacedintohispocketthearrest-warrantwrittenbytheking。

Ah，eventhegownofapriestisnotalwayscloseenoughtoconcealadangeroussecret；andeventhepocketofabishopmaysometimeshaveholesinit。

Gardinerwentawaywiththeproudconsciousnessofhavingtheorderofarrestinhispocket；andthatfatalpaperlayonthefloorinthemiddleoftheking\'schamber。

"Whowillcometopickitup？Whowillbecomethesharerofthisdangeroussecret？Towhomwillthismutepaperproclaimtheshockingnewsthatthequeenhasfallenintodisgrace，andisthisverydaytobedraggedtotheTowerasaprisoner？

Allisstillandlonelyintheking\'sapartment。Nothingisstirring，noteventheheavydamaskcurtainsoftheroyalcouch。

Thekingsleeps。Evenvexationandangerareagoodlullaby；theyhavesoagitatedandprostratedtheking，thathehasactuallyfallenasleepfromweariness。

Ah，thekingshouldhavebeenthankfultohiswifeforhisvexationatthelostgameofchess，andhiswrathatCatharine\'shereticalsentiments。Thesehadfatiguedhim；thesehadlulledhimtosleep。

Thewarrantofarreststilllayonthefloor。Now，quitesoftly，quitecautiously，thedooropens。Whoisitthatdaresventuretoentertheking\'sroomunsummonedandunannounced？

Thereareonlythreepersonswhodareventurethat:thequeen，PrincessElizabeth，andJohnHeywoodthefool。Whichofthethreeisit？

ItisPrincessElizabeth，whocomestosaluteherroyalfather。

Everyforenoonatthishourshehadfoundthekinginhisroom。

Wherewashethento-day？Asshelookedaroundtheroomwithaninquiringandsurprisedair，hereyefellonthatpaperwhichlaythereonthefloor。Shepickeditup，andexamineditwithchildishcuriosity。Whatcouldthispapercontain？Surelyitwasnosecret——

else，itwouldnotliehereonthefloor。

Sheopeneditandread。Herfinecountenanceexpressedhorrorandamazement；alowexclamationescapedherlips。ButElizabethhadastrongandresolutesoul；andtheunexpectedandthesurprisingdidnotdullherclearvision，norcloudhersharpwit。Thequeenwasindanger。Thequeenwastobeimprisoned。THAT，thisdreadfulpapershriekedinherear；butshedurstnotallowherselftobestunnedbyit。Shemustact；shemustwarnthequeen。

Shehidthepaperinherbosom，andlightasazephyrshefloatedawayagainoutofthechamber。

WithflashingeyesandcheeksreddenedbyherrapidraceElizabethenteredthequeen\'schamber；withpassionatevehemencesheclaspedherinherarmsandtenderlykissedher。

"Catharine，myqueen，andmymother，"saidshe，"wehavesworntostandbyandprotecteachotherwhendangerthreatensus。Fateisgracioustome，forithasgivenintomyhandthemeansofmakinggoodmyoaththisveryday。Takethatpaperandread！Itisanorderforyourimprisonment，madeoutbythekinghimself。Whenyouhavereadit，thenletusconsiderwhatistobedone，andhowwecanavertthedangerfromyou。"

"Anorderofimprisonment！"saidCatharine，withashudder，asshereadit。"Anorderofimprisonment——thatistosay，adeath-warrant！

ForwhenoncethethresholdofthatfrightfulToweriscrossed，itdenotesthatitisnevertobeleftagain；andifaqueenisarrestedandaccused，thenisshealsoalreadycondemned。Oh，myGod，princess，doyoucomprehendthat——tohavetodiewhilelifestillthrobssofreshandwarminourveins？Tobeobligedtogotodeath，whilethefuturestillalluresuswithathousandhopes，athousandwishes？MyGod，tohavetodescendintothedesolateprisonandintothegloomygrave，whiletheworldgreetsuswithalluringvoices，andspring-tidehasscarcelyawokeinourheart！"

Streamsoftearsburstfromhereyes，andshehidherfaceinhertremblinghands。

"Weepnot，queen，"whisperedElizabeth，herselftremblingandpaleasdeath。"Weepnot；butconsiderwhatistobedone。Eachminute，andthedangerincreases；eachminutebringstheevilnearertous。"

"Youareright，"saidCatharine，assheagainraisedherhead，andshookthetearsfromhereyes。"Yes，youareright；itisnottimetoweepandwail。Deathiscreepinguponme；butI——Iwillnotdie。

Ilivestill；andsolongasthereisabreathinmeIwillfightagainstdeath。Godwillassistme；Godwillhelpmetoovercomethisdangeralso，asIhavealreadydonesomanyothers。"

"Butwhatwillyoudo？wherecanyoubegin？Youknownottheaccusation。Youknownotwhoaccusesyou，norwithwhatyouarecharged。"

"YetIsuspectit！"saidthequeen，musingly。"WhenInowrecalltomindtheking\'sangrycountenance，andthemalicioussmileofthatmalignantpriest，IbelieveIknowtheaccusation。Yes——everythingisnowcleartome。Ah，itisthehereticthattheywouldsentencetodeath。Well，now，mylordbishop，Istilllive；and——wewillseewhichofustwowillgainthevictory！"

Withproudstepandglowingcheeksshehurriedtothedoor。

Elizabethheldherhack。"Whitherareyougoing？"criedshe，inastonishment。

"Totheking！"saidshe，withaproudsmile。"Hehasheardthebishop；nowheshallhearmealso。Theking\'sdispositionisfickleandeasilychanged。Wewillnowseewhichcunningisthestronger——

thecunningofthepriestorthecunningofthewoman。Elizabeth，prayforme。Igototheking；andyouwilleitherseemefreeandhappy，orneveragain。"

SheimprintedapassionatekissonElizabeth\'slips，andhurriedlyleftthechamber。