第12章

CHAPTERXXXV。

CHESS-PLAY。

Itwasmanydayssincethekinghadbeenaswellashewasto-day。

Foralongtimehehadnotenjoyedsuchrefreshingsleepasonthedaywhenhesignedthewarrantforthequeen\'simprisonment。Buthethoughtnothingatallaboutit。Sleepseemedtohaveobliteratedallrecollectionofitfromhismemory。Likeananecdotewhichyoulistento，andsmileatforthemoment，butsoonforget，sohadthewholeoccurrencevanishedagainfromhim。Itwasananecdoteofthemoment——atransientinterlude——nothingfurther。

Thekinghadsleptwell，andhehadnocareforanythingelse。Hestretchedhimself，andlayloungingonhiscouch，thinkingwithrapturehowfineitwouldbeifhecouldenjoysuchsweetandrefreshingreposeeveryday，andifnobaddreamsandnofearwouldfrightenawaysleepfromhiseyes。Hefeltverysereneandverygood-humored；andhadanyonenowcometobegafavoroftheking，hewouldhavegranteditinthefirstjoyaftersuchinvigoratingsleep。Buthewasalone；noonewaswithhim；hemustrepresshisgraciousdesires。Butno。Wasitnotasthoughsomethingwerestirringandbreathingbehindthecurtains？Thekingthrewbackthecurtains，andasoftsmileflittedoverhisfeatures；forbeforehisbedsatthequeen。Thereshesatwithrosycheeksandsparklingeyes，andgreetedhimwitharoguishsmile。

"Ah，Kate，itisyou！"criedtheking。"Well，now，IunderstandhowithappenedthatIhavehadsuchasoundandrefreshingsleep！Youstoodbyasmygoodangel，andscaredthepainsandbaddreamsawayfrommycouch。"

Andashesaidthis，hereachedouthishandandtenderlystrokedhervelvetcheek。Hedidnotatallrecollectthathehadalready，asitwere，devotedthatcharmingheadtothescaffold，andthatinafewhoursmorethosebrighteyesweretobeholdnaughtbutthenightofthedungeon。Sleep，aswehavesaid，hadlulledtorestalsotherecollectionofthis；andtheevilthoughtshadnotyetawokeagaininhim。Tosignanorderofarrestoradeath-warrantwaswiththekingsuchausualandevery-daymatter，thatitconstitutednoepochinhislife，andneitherburdenedhimwithtroublesofconsciencenormadehisheartshudderandtremble。

ButCatharinethoughtofit，andastheking\'shandstrokedhercheek，itwasasthoughdeathwerejustthentouchingher，neveragaintoreleaseher。However，sheovercamethismomentaryhorror，andhadthecouragetopreservehersereneandinnocentair。

"Youcallmeyourgoodangel，myhusband，"saidshe，withasmile；

"butyetIamnothingmorethanyourlittlePuck，whobustlesaboutyou，andnowandthenmakesyoulaughwithhisdrolleries。"

"AndadearlittlePuckyouare，Katie，"criedtheking，whoalwaysgazeduponhiswife\'srosyandfreshcountenancewithrealsatisfaction。

"ThenIwillprovemyselfthisverydayyourPuck，andallowyounomorereposeonyourcouch，"saidshe，asshemadeamockefforttoraisehimup。"Doyouknow，myhusband，whyIcamehere？Abutterflyhastappedatmywindow。Onlythinknow，abutterflyinwinter！Thatbetokensthatthistimewinterisspring；andtheclerkoftheweatherabovetherehasconfoundedJanuarywithMarch。Thebutterflyhasinvitedus，king；andonlysee！thesuniswinkingintothewindowtous，andsayswehavebuttocomeout，ashehasalreadydriedthewalksinthegardenbelow，andcalledforthalittlegrassontheplat。Andyourrollingchairstandsallready，mylordandhusband，andyourPuck，asyousee，hasalreadyputonherfurs，andcladherselfinarmoragainstthewinter，which，however，isnotthere！"

"Well，then，helpme，mydearestPuck，sothatIcanarise，andobeythecommandofthebutterflyandthesunandmylovelywife，"criedtheking，asheputhisarmaroundCatharine\'sneck，andslowlyraisedhimselffromthecouch。

Shebusiedherselfabouthimwithofficioushaste；sheputherarmtenderlyonhisshoulderandsupportedhim，andproperlyarrangedforhimthegoldchain，whichhadslippedoutofplaceonhisdoublet，andplayfullyplaitedthelaceruffwhichwasabouthisneck。

"Isityourorder，myhusband，thatyourservantscome？——themasterofceremonies，who，withoutdoubt，awaitsyourbackintheanteroom——

thelordbishop——whoawhileagomadesuchablack-lookingfaceatme？Buthow！myhusband，yourface，too，isnowinaneclipse？How？

HasyourPuckperchancesaidsomethingtoputyououtoftune？"

"No，indeed！"saidtheking，gloomily；butheavoidedmeetinghersmilingglanceandlookinginherrosyface。

Theevilthoughtshadagainawokeinhim；andhenowrememberedthewarrantofarrestthathehadgivenGardiner。Herememberedit，andheregrettedit。Forshewassofairandlovely——hisyoungqueen；

sheunderstoodsowellbyherjeststosmoothawaycarefromhisbrow，andaffrightvexationfromhissoul——shewassuchanagreeableandsprightlypastime，sucharefreshingmeansofdrivingawayennui。

Notforhersakedidheregretwhathehaddone，butonlyonhisownaccount。Fromselfishnessalone，herepentedhavingissuedthatorderforthequeen\'simprisonment。Catharineobservedhim。Herglance，sharpenedbyinwardfear，readhisthoughtsonhisbrow，andunderstoodthesighwhichinvoluntarilyarosefromhisbreast。

Sheagainseizedcourage；shemightsucceedinturningawaybyasmiletheswordthathungoverherhead。

"Come，mylordandhusband，"saidshe，cheerfully，"thesunbeckonstous，andthetreesshaketheirheadsindignantlybecausewearenotyetthere。"

"Yes，come，Kate，"saidtheking，rousinghimselfwithaneffortfromhisbrownstudy；"come，wewillgodownintoGod\'sfreeair。

PerhapsHeisnearertousthere，andmayilluminateuswithgoodthoughtsandwholesomeresolutions。Come，Kate。"

Thequeengavehimherarm，and，supportedonit，thekingadvancedafewsteps。ButsuddenlyCatharinestoodstill；andasthekingfastenedonherhisinquiringlook，sheblushedandcastdownhereyes。

"Well！"askedtheking，"whydoyoulinger？"

"Sire，Iwasconsideringyourwords；andwhatyousayaboutthesunandwholesomeresolutionshastouchedmyheartandstartledmyconscience。Myhusband，youareright；Godistherewithout，andI

darenotventuretobeholdthesun，whichisGod\'seye，beforeI

havemademyconfessionandreceivedabsolution。Sire，Iamagreatsinner，andmyconsciencegivesmenorest。Willyoubemyconfessor，andlistentome？"

Thekingsighed。"Ah，"thoughthe，"sheishurryingtodestruction，andbyherownconfessionofguiltshewillmakeitimpossibleformetoholdherguiltless！"

"Speak！"saidhealoud。

"First，"saidshe，withdowncasteyes——"first，ImustconfesstoyouthatIhaveto-daydeceivedyou，mylordandking。Vanityandsinfulprideenticedmetothis；andchildishangermademeconsummatewhatvanitywhisperedtome。ButIrepent，myking；Irepentfromthebottomofmysoul，andIsweartoyou，myhusband——yes，Isweartoyoubyallthatissacredtome，thatitisthefirstandonlytimethatIhavedeceivedyou。AndneverwillIventuretodoitagain，foritisadismalandawfulfeelingtostandbeforeyouwithaguiltyconscience。"

"Andinwhathaveyoudeceivedus，Kate？"askedtheking；andhisvoicetrembled。

Catharinedrewfromherdressasmallrollofpaper，and，humblybowing，handedittotheking。"Takeandseeforyourself，myhusband，"saidshe。

Withhurriedhandthekingopenedthepaper，andthenlookedinutterastonishment，nowatitscontents，andnowattheblushingfaceofthequeen。

"What！"saidhe，"yougivemeapawnfromthechess-board！Whatdoesthatmean？"

"Thatmeans，"saidshe，inatoneofuttercontrition——"thatmeans，thatIstoleitfromyou，andtherebycheatedyououtofyourvictory。Oh，pardonme，myhusband！butIcouldnolongerenduretolosealways，andIwasafraidyouwouldnomoreallowmethepleasureofplayingwithyou，whenyouperceivedwhataweakandcontemptibleantagonistIam。Andbehold，thislittlepawnwasmyenemy！Itstoodnearmyqueenandthreatenedherwithcheck，whileitdiscoveredchecktomykingfromyourbishop。Youwerejustgoingtomakethismove，whichwastoruinme，whenBishopGardinerentered。Youturnedawayyoureyesandsalutedhim。Youwerenotlookingonthegame。Oh，mylordandhusband，thetemptationwastooalluringandseductive；andIyieldedtoit。SoftlyItookthepawnfromtheboard，andslippeditintomypocket。Whenyoulookedagainatthegame，youseemedsurprisedatfirst；butyourmagnanimousandloftyspirithadnosuspicionofmybaseact；soyouinnocentlyplayedon；andsoIwonthegameofchess。Oh，myking，willyoupardonme，andnotbeangrywithme？"Thekingbrokeoutintoaloudlaugh，andlookedwithanexpressionoftendernessatCatharine，whostoodbeforehimwithdowncasteyes，abashedandblushing。Thissightonlyredoubledhismerriment，andmadehimagainandagainroaroutwithlaughter。

"Andisthatallyourcrime，Kate？"askedhe，atlength，dryinghiseyes。"Youhavestolenapawnfromme——thisisyourfirstandonlydeception？"

"Isitnotindeedgreatenough，sire？DidInotpurloinitbecauseI

wassohigh-mindedastowanttowinagameofchessfromyou？Isnotthewholecourtevennowacquaintedwithmysplendidluck？AnddoesitnotknowthatIhavebeenthevictorto-day，whilstyetI

wasnotentitledtobeso——whilstIdeceivedyousoshamefully？"

"Now，verily，"saidtheking，solemnly，"happyarethemenwhoarenotworsedeceivedbytheirwivesthanyouhavedeceivedmeto-day；

andhappyarethewomenwhoseconfessionsaresopureandinnocentasyourshavebeento-day！Dobutliftupyoureyesagain，myKatie；

thatsinisforgivenyou；andbyGodandbyyourkingitshallbeaccountedtoyouasavirtue。"

Helaidhishandonherhead，asifinblessing，andgazedatherlongandsilently。Then，saidhe，laughingly:

"Accordingtothis，then，myKate，Ishouldhavebeenthevictorofto-day，andnothavelostthatgameofchess。"

"No，"saidshe，dolefully，"Imusthavelostit，ifIhadnotstolenthepawn。"

Againthekinglaughed。Catharinesaid，earnestly:

"Dobutbelieveme，myhusband，BishopGardineralonewasthecauseofmyfall。Becausehewasby，Ididnotwanttolose。Mypriderevoltedtothinkthatthishaughtyandarrogantpriestwastobewitnessofmydefeat。Inmind，Ialreadysawthecoldandcontemptuoussmilewithwhichhewouldlookdownonme，thevanquished；andmyheartroseinrebellionatthethoughtofbeinghumbledbeforehim。AndnowIhavearrivedatthesecondpartofmyfaultwhichIwanttoconfesstoyouto-day。Sire，Imustacknowledgeanothergreatfaulttoyou。Ihavegrievouslyoffendedagainstyouto-day，inthatIcontradictedyou，andwithstoodyourwiseandpiouswords。Ah，myhusband，itwasnotdonetospiteyou，butonlytovexandannoythehaughtypriest。ForImustconfesstoyou，myking，IhatethisBishopofWinchester——ay，yetmore——Ihaveadreadofhim；formyforebodinghearttellsmethatheismyenemy，thatheiswatchingeachofmylooks，eachofmywords，sothathecanmakefromthemanoosetostrangleme。Heistheevildestinythatcreepsupbehindmeandwouldonedaycertainlydestroyme，ifyourbeneficenthandandyouralmightyarmdidnotprotectme。

Oh，whenIbeholdhim，myhusband，Iwouldalwaysgladlyflytoyourheart，andsaytoyou:\'Protectme，myking，andhavecompassiononme！Havefaithinmeandloveme；forifyoudonot，Iamlost！Theevilfiendistheretodestroyme。\'"

And，asshethusspoke，sheclungaffectionatelytotheking\'sside，and，leaningherheadonhisbreast，lookeduptohimwithaglanceoftenderentreatyandtouchingdevotion。

Thekingbentdownandkissedherbrow。"Oh，sanctasimplicitas，"

softlymurmuredhe——"sheknowsnothownighsheistothetruth，andhowmuchreasonshehasforherevilforebodings！"Thenheaskedaloud:"So，Kate，youbelievethatGardinerhatesyou？"

"Idonotbelieveit，Iknowit！"saidshe。"Hewoundsmewheneverhecan；andthoughhiswoundsaremadeonlywithpins，thatcomesonlyfromthis，thatheisafraidthatyoumightdiscoveritifhedrewadaggeronme，whilstyoumightnotnoticethepinwithwhichhesecretlywoundsme。Andwhatwashiscominghereto-dayotherthananewassaultonme？Heknowsverywell——andIhavenevermadeasecretofit——thatIamanenemytothisRomanCatholicreligionthepopeofwhichhasdaredtohurlhisbanagainstmylordandhusband；andthatIseekwithlivelyinteresttobeinstructedastothedoctrineandreligionoftheso-calledreformers。"

"Theysaythatyouareaheretic，"saidtheking，gravely。

"Gardinersaysthat！ButifIamso，youaresotoo，myking；foryourbeliefismine。IfIamso，sotooisCranmer，thenobleArchbishopofCanterbury；forheismyspiritualadviserandhelper。

ButGardinerwishesthatIwereaheretic，andhewantsmelikewisetoappearsotoyou。See，myhusband，whyitwasthathelaidthoseeightdeath-warrantsbeforeyouawhileago。Therewereeight，allheretics，whomyouweretocondemn——notasinglepapistamongthem；

andyetIknowthattheprisonsarefullofpapists，who，inthefanaticismoftheirpersecutedfaith，havespokenwordsjustasworthyofpunishmentasthoseunfortunateoneswhomyouwereto-daytosendfromlifetodeathbyastrokeofyourpen。Sire，Ishouldhaveprayedyoujustasfervently，justassuppliantly，hadtheybeenpapistswhomyouweretosentencetodeath！ButGardinerwantedaproofofmyheresy；andthereforeheselectedeightheretics，forwhomIwastoopposeyourharddecree。"

"Itistrue，"saidtheking，thoughtfully；"therewasnotasinglepapistamongthem！Buttellme，Kate——areyoureallyaheretic，andanadversaryofyourking？"

Withasweetsmileshelookeddeepintohiseyes，andhumblycrossedherarmsoverherbeautifulbreast。

"Youradversary！"whisperedshe。"Areyounotmyhusbandandmylord？Wasnotthewomanmadetobesubjecttotheman？ThemanwascreatedafterthelikenessofGod，andthewomanafterthelikenessofman。Sothewomanisonlytheman\'ssecondself；andhemusthavecompassiononherinlove；andhemustgiveherofhisspirit，andinfluenceherunderstandingfromhisunderstanding。Thereforeyourdutyistoinstructme，myhusband；andmineis，tolearnofyou。

Andofallthewomenintheworld，tonooneisthisdutymadesoeasyastome；forGodhasbeengracioustomeandgivenmeasmyhusbandakingwhoseprudence，wisdom，andlearningarethewonderofalltheworld。"[Footnote:Thequeen\'sownwords，astheyhavebeengivenbyallhistoricalwriters。SeeonthispointBurnet，vol。

I，p。84；Tytler，p。413；Larrey\'s"Histoired\'Angleterre，"vol。II，p。201；Leti，vol。I，p。154，(death-sign)Historical。Theking\'sownwords。]"Whatasweetlittleflattereryouare，Kate！"saidtheking，withasmile；"andwithwhatacharmingvoiceyouwanttoconcealthetruthfromus！Thetruthis，thatyouyourselfareaverylearnedlittlebody，whohasnoneedatalltolearnanythingfromothers，butwhowouldbewellabletoinstructothers。"

"Oh，ifitisso，asyousay，"criedCatharine，"well，thenwouldI

teachthewholeworldtolovemykingasIdo，andtobesubjecttohiminhumility，faithfulness，andobedience，asIam。"

Andasshethusspoke，shethrewbothherarmsabouttheking\'sneck，andleanedherheadwithalanguishingexpressionuponhisbreast。

Thekingkissedher，andpressedherfasttohisheart。HethoughtnolongerofthedangerthatwashoveringoverCatharine\'shead；hethoughtonlythathelovedher，andthatlifewouldbeverydesolate，verytediousandsadwithouther。

"Andnow，myhusband，"saidCatharine，gentlydisengagingherselffromhim——"now，sinceIhaveconfessedtoyouandreceivedabsolutionfromyou——nowletusgodownintothegarden，sothatGod\'sbrightsunmayshineintoourheartsfreshandglad。Come，myhusband，yourchairisready；andthebeesandthebutterflies，thegnatsandtheflies，havealreadypractisedahymn，withwhichtheyaregoingtogreetyou，myhusband。"

Laughingandjesting，shedrewhimalongtotheadjoiningroom，wherethecourtiersandtherolling-chairwerestandingready；andthekingmountedhistriumphalcar，andallowedhimselftoberolledthroughthecarpetedcorridors，anddownthestaircases，transformedintobroadinclinedplanesofmarble，intothegarden。

Theairhadthefreshnessofwinterandthewarmthofspring。Thegrasslikeadiligentweaverwasalreadybeginningtoweaveacarpetovertheblacklevelofthesquare；andalreadyhereandthereatinyblossom，curiousandbashful，waspeepingoutandappearedtobesmilinginastonishmentatitsownprematureexistence。Thesunseemedsowarmandbright；theheavensweresoblue！

Attheking\'ssidewentCatharine，withsuchrosycheeksandsparklingeyes。Thoseeyeswerealwaysdirectedtoherhusband；andhercharmingprattlewastothekinglikethemelodioussongofbirds，andmadehisheartleapforpleasureanddelight。Buthow？

WhatnoiseallatoncedrownedCatharine\'ssweetprattle？Andwhatwasitthatflashedupthereattheendofthatlargealleywhichtheroyalpairwiththeirsuitehadjustentered？

Itwasthenoiseofsoldiersadvancing；andshininghelmetsandcoats-of-mailflashedinthesunlight。

Onebandofsoldiersheldtheoutletfromthealley；anotheradvancedupitincloseorder。AttheirheadwereseenstridingalongGardinerandEarlDouglas，andattheirsidethelieutenantoftheTower。

Theking\'scountenanceassumedaloweringandangryexpressionandhischeeksweresuffusedwithcrimson。Withthequicknessofyouthherosefromhischair，and，raisedtohisfullheight，helookedwithflamingeyesattheprocession。

Thequeenseizedhishandandpressedittoherbreast。

"Ah，"saidshe，withalowwhisper，"protectme，myhusband，forfearalreadyoverpowersmeagain！Itismyenemy——itisGardiner——

thatcomes，andItremble。"

"Youshallnolongertremblebeforehim，Kate！"saidtheking。"Woetothem，thatdaremakeKingHenry\'sconsorttremble！IwillspeakwithGardiner。"

Andalmostroughlypushingasidethequeen，theking，utterlyheedlessinhisviolentexcitementofthepainofhisfoot，wentinaquickpacetomeettheadvancingtroop。

Heorderedthembyhisgesturetohalt，andcalledGardinerandDouglastohim。"Whatwantyouhere？Andwhatmeansthisstrangearray？"askedhe，inaroughtone。

Thetwocourtiersstaredathimwithlooksofamazement，anddurstnotanswerhim。

"Well！"askedtheking，withever-risingwrath，"willyouatlengthtellmebywhatrightyouintrudeintomygardenwithanarmedhost——

speciallyatthesamehourthatIamherewithmyconsort？Verily，thereisnosufficientexcuseforsuchagrossviolationofthereverencewhichyouoweyourkingandmaster；andImarvel，mylordmasterofceremonies，thatyoudidnotseektopreventthisindecorum！"

EarlDouglasmutteredafewwordsofapology，whichthekingdidnotunderstand，ordidnotwanttounderstand。

"Thedutyofamasterofceremoniesistoprotecthiskingfromeveryannoyance，andyou，EarlDouglas，offerittomeyourself。

Perchanceyouwanttherebytoshowthatyouarewearyofyouroffice。Well，then，mylord，Idismissyoufromit，andthatyourpresencemaynotremindmeofthismorning\'stransaction，youwillleavethecourtandLondon！Farewell，mylord！"

EarlDouglas，turningpaleandtrembling，staggeredafewstepsbackward，andgazedatthekingwithastonishment。Hewantedtospeak，butHenry，withacommandingwaveofthehand，badehimbesilent。

"Andnowforyou，mylordbishop！"saidtheking，andhiseyeswereturnedonGardinerwithanexpressionsowrathfulandcontemptuous，thatheturnedpaleandlookeddowntotheground。"WhatmeansthisstrangetrainwithwhichthepriestofGodapproacheshisroyalmasterto-day？AndunderwhatimpulseofChristianloveareyougoingtoholdto-dayaheretichuntinthegardenofyourking？"

"Sire，"saidGardiner，completelybesidehimself，"yourmajestywellknowswhyIcome；itwasatyourmajesty\'scommandthatIwithEarlDouglasandthelieutenantoftheTowercame，inorderto——"

"Darenottospeakfurther！"yelledtheking，whobecamestillmoreangrybecauseGardinerwouldnotunderstandhimandcomprehendthealteredstateofhismind。"Howdareyoumakeapretenceofmycommands，whilstI，fullofjustamazement，questionyouastothecauseofyourappearance？Thatistosay，youwanttochargeyourkingwithfalsehood。Youwanttoexcuseyourselfbyaccusingme。Ah，myworthylordbishop，thistimeyouarethwartedinyourplan，andIdisavowyouandyourfoolishattempt。No！thereisnobodyherewhomyoushallarrest；and，bytheholymotherofGod，wereyoureyesnotblind，youwouldhaveseenthathere，wherethekingistakinganairingwithhisconsort，therecouldbenoonewhomthesecatchpollshadtolookfor！ThepresenceoftheroyalmajestyislikethepresenceofGod；itdispenseshappinessandpeaceaboutit；

andwhoeveristouchedbyhisglory，isgracedandsanctifiedthereby。"

"But，yourmajesty，"screamedGardiner，whomangeranddisappointedhopehadmadeforgetfulofallconsiderations，"youwantedmetoarrestthequeen；youyourselfgavemetheorderforit；andnowwhenIcometoexecuteyourwill——nowyourepudiateme。"

Thekingutteredayellofrage，andwithliftedarmmovedsomestepstowardGardiner。

Butsuddenlyhefelthisarmheldback。ItwasCatharine，whohadhurrieduptotheking。"Oh，myhusband，"saidshe，inalowwhisper，"whateverhemayhavedone，sparehim！StillheisapriestoftheLord；andsolethissacredrobeprotecthim，thoughperchancehisdeedscondemnhim！"

"Ah，doyoupleadforhim？"criedtheking。"Really，mypoorwife，yoususpectnothowlittlegroundyouhavetopityhim，andtobegmymercyforhim。[Footnote:Theking\'sownwords，——SeeLeti，vol。

I，p。133，]Butyouareright。Wewillrespecthiscassock，andthinknomoreofwhatahaughtyandintriguingmaniswrappedinit——Butbeware，priest，thatyoudonotagainremindmeofthat。Mywrathwouldtheninevitablystrikeyou；andIshouldhaveaslittlemercyforyouasyousayIoughttoshowtootherevil-doers。Andinasmuchasyouareapriest，bepenetratedwithasenseofthegravityofyourofficeandthesacrednessofyourcalling。YourepiscopalseeisatWinchester，andIthinkyourdutiescallyouthither。Wenolongerneedyou，forthenobleArchbishopofCanterburyiscomingbacktous，andwillhavetofulfilthedutiesofhisofficenearusandthequeen。Farewell！"

HeturnedhisbackonGardiner，and，supportedonCatharine\'sarm，returnedtohisrolling-chair。

"Kate，"saidhe，"justnowaloweringcloudstoodinyoursky，but，thankstoyoursmileandyourinnocentface，ithaspassedharmlesslyover。Wethinkswestilloweyouspecialthanksforthis；

andwewouldliketoshowyouthatbysomeofficeoflove。Istherenothingthatwouldgiveyouspecialdelight，Kate？"

"Oh，yes，"saidshe，withfervor。"Twogreatdesiresburninmyheart。"

"Thennamethem，Kate；and，bythemotherofGod，ifitisinthepowerofakingtofulfilthem，Iwilldoit。"

Catharineseizedhishandandpressedittoherheart。

"Sire，"saidshe，"theywantedtohaveyousigneightdeath-warrantsto-day。Oh，myhusband，makeoftheseeightcriminalseighthappy，thankfulsubjects；teachthemtolovethatkingwhomtheyhavereviled——teachtheirchildren，theirwivesandmotherstoprayforyou，whilstyourestorelifeandfreedomtothesefathers，thesesonsandhusbands，andwhileyou，greatandmerciful，likeDeity，pardonthem。"

"Soshallitbe！"criedtheking，cheerfully。"Ourhandshallhaveto-daynootherworkthantorestinyours；andwewillspareitfrommakingtheseeightstrokesofthepen。Theeightevil-doersarepardoned；andtheyshallbefreethisveryday。"

WithanexclamationofrapturousdelightCatharinepressedHenry\'shandtoherlips，andherfaceshonewithpurehappiness。

"Andyoursecondwish？"askedtheking。

"Mysecondwish，"saidshe，withasmile，"pleadsforthefreedomofapoorprisoner——forthefreedomofahumanheart，sire。"

Thekinglaughed。"Ahumanheart？Doesthatthenrunaboutonthestreet，sothatitcanbecaughtandmadeaprisonerof？"

"Sire，youhavefoundit，andincarcerateditinyourdaughter\'sbosom。YouwanttoputElizabeth\'sheartinfetters，andbyanunnaturallawcompelhertorenounceherfreedomofchoice。Onlythink——towanttobidawoman\'sheart，beforeshecanlove，toinquirefirstaboutthegenealogicaltree，andtolookatthecoat-

of-armsbeforeshenoticestheman！"

"Oh，women，women，whatfoolishchildrenyouare，though！"criedtheking，laughingly。"Thequestionisaboutthrones，andyouthinkaboutyourhearts！Butcome，Kate，youshallstillfurtherexplainthattome；andwewillnottakebackourword，forwehavegivenityoufromafreeandgladheart。"

Hetookthequeen\'sarm，and，supportedonit，walkedslowlyupthealleywithher。Thelordsandladiesofthecourtfollowedtheminsilenceandatarespectfuldistance；andnoonesuspectedthatthiswoman，whowassteppingalongsoproudandmagnificent，hadbutjustnowescapedanimminentperilofherlife；thatthisman，whowasleaningonherarmwithsuchdevotedtenderness，hadbutafewhoursbeforeresolvedonherdestruction。[Footnote:AllthisplotinstigatedbyGardineragainstthequeenis，inminutestdetails，historicallytrue，andisfoundsubstantiallythesameinallhistoricalworks。]Andwhilstchattingconfidentiallytogethertheybothwanderedthroughtheavenues，twootherswithdroopingheadandpalefacelefttheroyalcastle，whichwastobetothemhenceforthalostparadise。Sullenspiteandraginghatewereintheirhearts，butyettheywereobligedtoendureinsilence；theywereobligedtosmileandtoseemharmless，inordernottoprepareawelcomefeastforthemaliceofthecourt。Theyfeltthespitefullooksofallthesecourtiers，althoughtheypassedbythemwithdown-casteyes。

Theyimaginedtheyheardtheirmaliciouswhispers，theirderisivelaughter；anditpiercedtheirheartslikethestabofadagger。

Atlengththeyhadsurmountedit——atlengththepalacelaybehindthem，andtheywereatleastfreetopouroutinwordstheagonythatconsumedthem——freetobeabletobreakoutintobitterexecrations，intocursesandlamentations。

"Lost！allislost！"saidEarlDouglastohimselfinahollowvoice。

"Iamthwartedinallmyplans。IhavesacrificedtotheChurchmylife，mymeans，ay，evenmydaughter，andithasallbeeninvain。

And，likeabeggar，Inowstandonthestreetforsakenandwithoutcomfort；andourholymothertheChurchwillnolongerheedthesonwholovedherandsacrificedhimselfforher，sincehewassounfortunate，andhissacrificeunavailing。"

"Despairnot！"saidGardiner，solemnly。"Cloudsgatheraboveus；buttheyaredispersedagain。Andafterthedayofstorm，comesagainthedayoflight。Ourdayalsowillcome，myfriend。Now，wegohence，ourheadsstrewnwithashes，andbowedatheart；but，believeme，weshallonedaycomeagainwithshiningfaceandexultantheart；andtheflamingswordofgodlywrathwillglitterinourhands，andapurplerobewillenfoldus，dyedinthebloodofhereticswhomweofferuptotheLordourGodasawell-pleasingsacrifice。Godsparesusforabettertime；andourbanishment，believeme，friend，isbutarefugethatGodhaspreparedforusthiseviltimewhichweareapproaching。"

"Youspeakofaneviltime，andneverthelessyouhope，yourhighness？"askedDouglas，gloomily。

"AndneverthelessIhope！"saidGardiner，withastrangeandhorriblesmile，and，bendingdownclosertoDouglas，hewhispered:

"thekinghasonlyafewdaysmoretolive。Hedoesnotsuspecthownearheistohisdeath，andnobodyhasthecouragetotellhim。Buthisphysicianhasconfidedittome。Hisvitalforcesareconsumed，anddeathstandsalreadybeforehisdoortothrottlehim。"

"Andwhenheisdead，"saidEarlDouglas，shrugginghisshoulders，"hissonEdwardwillbeking，andthosehereticalSeymourswillcontrolthehelmofstate！Callyouthathope，yourhighness？"

"Icallitso。"

"DoyounotknowthatEdward，youngasheis，isneverthelessafanaticaladherentofthehereticaldoctrine，andatthesametimeafuriousopponentoftheChurchinwhichaloneissalvation？"

"Iknowit，butIknowalsothatEdwardisafeebleboy；andthereiscurrentinourChurchaholyprophecywhichpredictsthathisreignisonlyofshortduration。Godonlyknowswhathisdeathwillbe，buttheChurchhasoftenbeforeseenherenemiesdieasuddendeath。DeathhasbeenoftenbeforethisthemosteffectiveallyofourholymothertheChurch。Believeme，then，mysonandhope，forI

tellyouEdward\'srulewillbeofshortduration。Andafterhimshewillascendthethrone，thenobleanddevoutMary，therigidCatholic，whohateshereticsasmuchasEdwardlovesthem。Oh，friend，whenMaryascendsthethrone，weshallrisefromourhumiliation，andthedominionwillbeours。ThenwillallEnglandbecome，asitwere，asinglegreattemple，andthefagot-pilesaboutthestakearethealtarsonwhichwewillconsumetheheretics，andtheirshrieksofagonyaretheholypsalmswhichwewillmakethemstrikeuptothehonorofGodandHisholyChurch。Hopeforthistime，forItellyouitwillsooncome。"

"Ifyousayso，yourhighness，thenitwillcometopass，"saidDouglas，significantly。"Iwillthenhopeandwait。IwillsavemyselffromevildaysinScotland，andwaitforthegood。"

"AndIgo，asthiskingbythewrathofGodhascommanded，tomyepiscopalseat。ThewrathofGodwillsooncallHenryhence。Mayhisdyinghourbefulloftorment，andmaytheHolyFather\'scurseberealizedandfulfilledinhim！Farewell！Wegowithpalmsofpeaceforcedonus；butwewillreturnwiththenamingsword，andourhandswillbedrippingwithhereticblood。"

Theyoncemoreshookhandsandsilentlydeparted，andbeforeeveningcameontheyhadbothleftLondon。[Footnote:Gardiner\'sprophecywassoonfulfilled。AfewdaysafterGardinerhadfallenintodisgraceHenry，theEighthdied，andhissonEdward，yetaminor，ascendedthethrone。Buthisrulewasofbriefduration。Afterareignofscarcelysixyears，hediedayouthoftheageofsixteenyears，andhissisterMary，calledtheCatholic，ascendedthethrone。HerfirstactwastoreleaseGardiner，whounderEdward\'sreignhadbeenconfinedasaprisonerintheTower，andtoappointhimherminister，andlater，totheplaceoflordchancellor。HewasoneofthemostfuriouspersecutorsoftheReformers。Oncehesaidatacouncilinthepresenceofthebigotedqueen；"Thesehereticshaveasoulsoblackthatitcanbewashedcleanonlyintheirownblood。"Heitwas，too，whourgedthequeentosuchsevereandodiousmeasuresagainstthePrincessElizabeth，andcausedhertobeasecondtimedeclaredabastardandunworthyofsucceedingtothethrone。WhenMarydied，Gardinerperformed，inWestminsterAbbey，whereshewasentombed，theserviceforthedeadinthepresenceofhersuccessor，QueenElizabeth。Gardiner\'sdiscoursewasanenthusiasticeulogiumofthedeceasedqueen，andhesetforth，asherspecialmerit，thatshehatedthehereticssoardentlyandhadsomanyofthemexecuted。HeclosedwithaninvectiveagainsttheProtestants，inwhichhesolittlesparedtheyoungqueen，andspokeofherinsuchinjuriousterms，thathewasthatverydaycommittedtoprison——Leti。vol。I，p。314。]AshorttimeafterthiseventfulwalkinthegardenofWhitehall，thequeenenteredtheapartmentsofthePrincessElizabeth，whohastenedtomeetherwithaburstofjoy，andclaspedherwildlyinherarms。

"Saved！"whisperedshe。"Thedangerisovercome，andagainyouarethemightyqueen，theadoredwife！"

"AndIhaveyoutothankthatIamso，princess！Withoutthatwarrantofarrestwhichyoubroughtme，Iwaslost。Oh，Elizabeth，butwhatamartyrdomitwas！Tosmileandjest，whilstmyhearttrembledwithdreadandhorror；toappearinnocentandunembarrassed，whilstitseemedtomeasifIheardalreadythewhizoftheaxethatwasabouttostrikemyneck！Oh，myGod，Ipassedthroughtheagoniesandthedreadofawholelifetimeinthatonehour！Mysoulhasbeenharassedtillitisweariedtodeath，andmystrengthisexhausted。Icouldweep，weepcontinuallyoverthiswretched，deceitfulworld，inwhichtowishrightandtodogoodavailnothing；butinwhichyoumustdissembleandlie，deceiveanddisguiseyourself，ifyoudonotwanttofallavictimtowickednessandmischief。Butah，Elizabeth，evenmytearsIdareshedonlyinsecret，foraqueenhasnorighttobemelancholy。Shemustseemevercheerful，everhappyandcontented；andonlyGodandthestill，silentnightknowhersighsandhertears。"

"Andyoumayletmealsoseethem，queen，"saidElizabeth，heartily；

"foryouwellknowyoumaytrustandrelyonme。"

Catharinekissedherfervently。"Youhavedonemeagreatserviceto-day，andIhavecome，"saidshe，"tothankyou，notwithsoundingwordsonly，butbydeeds。Elizabeth，yourwishwillbefulfilled。

Thekingwillrepealthelawwhichwastocompelyoutogiveyourhandonlytoahusbandofequalbirth。"

"Oh，"criedElizabeth，withflashingeyes，"thenIshall，perhaps，somedaybeabletomakehimwhomIloveaking。"Catharinesmiled。

"Youhaveaproudandambitiousheart，"saidshe。"Godhasendowedyouwithextraordinaryability。Cultivateitandseektoincreaseit；formyprophetichearttellsmethatyouaredestinedtobecome，oneday，QueenofEngland。[Footnote:Catharine\'sownwords——SeeLeti，vol。I，p。172。]Butwhoknowswhetherthenyouwillstillwishtoelevatehimwhomyounowlove，tobeyourhusband？Aqueen，asyouwillbe，seeswithothereyesthanthoseofayoung，inexperiencedmaiden。PerchanceImaynothavedonerightinmovingthekingtoalterthislaw；forIamnotacquaintedwiththemanthatyoulove；andwhoknowswhetherheisworthythatyoushouldbestowonhimyourheart，soinnocentandpure？"

ElizabeththrewbothherarmsaboutCatharine\'sneck，andclungtenderlytoher。"Oh，"saidshe，"hewouldbeworthytobelovedevenbyyou，Catharine；forheisthenoblestandhandsomestcavalierinthewholeworld；andthoughheisnoking，yetheisaking\'sbrother-in-law，andwillsomedaybeaking\'suncle。"

Catharinefeltherheart，asitwere，convulsed，andaslighttremorranthroughherframe。"AndamInottolearnhisname？"askedshe。

"Yes，Iwilltellyouitnow；fornowthereisnolongerdangerinknowingit。ThenameofhimwhomIlove，queen，isThomasSeymour。"

Catharineutteredascream，andpushedElizabethpassionatelyawayfromherheart。"ThomasSeymour？"criedshe，inamenacingtone。

"What！doyoudareloveThomasSeymour？"

"AndwhyshouldInotdare？"askedtheyounggirlinastonishment。

"WhyshouldInotgivehimmyheart，since，thankstoyourintercession，Iamnolongerboundtochooseahusbandofequalbirth？IsnotThomasSeymouroneofthefirstofthisland？DoesnotallEnglandlookonhimwithprideandtenderness？Doesnoteverywomantowhomhedeignsalook，feelherselfhonored？Doesnotthekinghimselfsmileandfeelmorepleasedatheart，whenThomasSeymour，thatyoung，bold，andspiritedhero，standsbyhisside？"

"Youareright！"saidCatharine，whosehearteveryoneoftheseenthusiasticwords，laceratedlikethestabofadagger——"yes，youareright。Heisworthyofbeinglovedbyyou——andyoucouldhituponnobetterchoice。Itwasonlythefirstsurprisethatmademeseethingsotherwisethantheyare。ThomasSeymouristhebrotherofaqueen:whythenshouldhenotalsobethehusbandofaroyalprincess？"

Withabashfulblush，ElizabethhidhersmilingfaceinCatharine\'sbosom。Shedidnotseewithwhatanexpressionofalarmandagonythequeenobservedher；howherlipswereconvulsivelycompressed，andhercheekscoveredwithadeath-likepallor。

"Andhe？"askedshe，inalowtone。"DoesThomasSeymourloveyou？"

Elizabethraisedherheadandlookedatthequestionerinamazement"How！"saidshe。"Isitpossible，then，tolove，ifyouarenotloved？"

"Youareright，"sighedCatharine。"Onemustbeveryhumbleandsillytobeabletodothat。"

"MyGod！howpaleyouare，queen！"criedElizabeth，whojustnownoticedCatharine\'spaleface。"Yourfeaturesaredistorted；yourlipstremble。MyGod！whatdoesthismean？"

"Itisnothing！"saidCatharine，withasmilefullofagony。"Theexcitementandalarmofto-dayhaveexhaustedmystrength。Thatisall。Besides，anewgriefthreatensus，ofwhichyouasyetknownothing。Thekingisill。Asuddendizzinessseizedhim，andmadehimfallalmostlifelessatmyside。Icametobringyoutheking\'smessage；nowdutycallsmetomyhusband\'ssickbed。Farewell，Elizabeth。"

Shewavedagood-bytoherwithherhand，andwithhurriedsteplefttheroom。Shesummonedupcouragetoconcealtheagoniesofhersoul，andtopassproudandstatelythroughthehalls。Tothecourtiersbowingbeforeher，shewouldstillbethequeen，andnooneshouldsuspectwhatagonywastorturingherwithinlikeflamesoffire。Butatlastarrivedatherboudoir——atlastsureofbeingoverheardandobservedbynoone——shewasnolongerthequeen，butonlytheagonized，passionatewoman。

Shesankonherknees，andcried，withaheart-rendingwailofanguish:"MyGod，myGod，grantthatImaybecomemad，sothatImaynolongerknowthathehasforsakenme！"

CHAPTERXXXVI。

THECATASTROPHE。

Afterdaysofsecrettortureandhiddentears，afternightsofsobbinganguishandwailingsorrow，Catharinehadatlastattainedtoinwardpeace；shehadatlasttakenafirmanddecisiveresolution。

Thekingwassickuntodeath；andhowevermuchshehadsufferedandenduredfromhim，stillhewasherhusband；andshewouldnotstandbyhisdeathbedasaperjuredanddeceitfulwoman；shewouldnotbeconstrainedtocastdownhereyesbeforethefailinggazeofthedyingking。Shewouldrenounceherlove——thatlove，which，however，hadbeenaspureandchasteasamaiden\'sprayer——thatlove，whichwasasunapproachablydistantastheblushofmorn，andyethadstoodabovehersovastandbrilliant，andhadirradiatedthegloomypathwayofherlifewithcelestiallight。

Shewouldmakethegreatestofsacrifices；shewouldgiveherlovertoanother。Elizabethlovedhim。Catharinewouldnotinvestigateandthoroughlyexaminethepoint，whetherThomasSeymourreturnedherlove，andwhethertheoathhehadtakentoher，thequeen，wasreallynothingmorethanafancyofthebrain，orafalsehood。No，shedidnotbelieveit；shedidnotbelievethatThomasSeymourwascapableoftreachery，ofdouble-dealing。ButElizabethlovedhim；

andshewasyoungandbeautiful，andagreatfuturelaybeforeher。

CatharinelovedThomasSeymourstronglyenoughnottowanttodeprivehimofthisfuture，butgladlytopresentherselfasacrificetothehappinessofherlover。Whatwasshe——thewomanmaturedingriefandsuffering——incomparisonwiththisyouthfulandfreshblossom，Elizabeth？Whathadshetoofferherbelovedfurtherthanalifeofretirement，oflove，andofquiethappiness？Whenoncethekingisdeadandsetsherfree，EdwardtheSixthascendsthethrone；andCatharinethenisnothingmorethantheforgottenanddisregardedwidowofaking；whileElizabeth，theking\'ssister，mayperhapsbringacrownasherdowertohimwhomsheloves。

ThomasSeymourwasambitious。Catharineknewthat。Adaymightcomewhenhewouldrepentofhavingchosenthewidowofakinginsteadoftheheiresstoathrone。

Catharinewouldanticipatethatday。Shewouldofherownfree-willresignherlovertoPrincessElizabeth。Shehadbyastrugglebroughthermindtothissacrifice；shehadpressedherhandsfirmlyonherheart，soasnottohearhowitwailedandwept。

ShewenttoElizabeth，andsaidtoherwithasweetsmile:"To-dayI

willbringyourlovertoyou，princess。Thekinghasfulfilledhispromise。Hehasto-daywithhislastdyingstrengthsignedthisact，whichgivesyoulibertytochooseyourhusband，notfromtheranksofprincesalone，buttofollowyourownheartinyourchoice。I

willgivethisacttoyourlover，andassurehimofmyassistanceandaid。Thekingissufferingverymuchto-day，andhisconsciousnessfailsmoreandmore。Butbecertain，ifheisinaconditiontohearme，Iwillspendallmypowersofpersuasionininclininghimtoyourwish，andinmovinghimtogivehisconsenttoyourmarriagewithEarlSudley。Inowgotoreceivetheearl。Sotarryinyourroom，princess，forSeymourwillsooncometobringyoutheact。"

Whilstshethusspoke，itseemedtoherasthoughherheartwerepiercedbyred-hotdaggers；asthoughatwo-edgedswordwerecleavingherbreast。ButCatharinehadastrongandcourageoussoul。

Shehadsworntoherselftoendurethistorturetotheend；andsheenduredit。Nowrithingofherlips，nosigh，nooutcry，betrayedthepainthatshewassuffering。Andif，indeed，hercheekswerepale，andhereyedim，theyweresobecauseshehadspentnightswatchingbyherhusband\'ssick-bed，andbecauseshewasmourningforthedyingking。

Shehadtheheroismtoembracetenderlythisyoungmaidentowhomshewasjustgoingtopresentherloveasasacrifice，andtolistenwithasmiletotheenthusiasticwordsofgratitude，ofraptureandexpectanthappinesswhichElizabethaddressedtoher。

Withtearlesseyesandfirmstepshereturnedtoherownapartments；

andhervoicedidnotatalltremble，asshebadethechamberlaininattendancetosummontoherthemasterofhorse，EarlSudley。Onlyshehadafeelingasthoughherheartwasbrokenandcrushed；andquitesoftly，quitehumbly，shewhispered:"Ishalldiewhenheisgone。Butsolongasheishere，Iwilllive；andheshallnothaveasuspicionofwhatIsuffer！"

AndwhileCatharinesufferedsodreadfully，Elizabethwasjubilantwithdelightandrapture；foratlastshestoodatthegoalofherwishes，andthisverydayshewastobecomethebetrothedofherlover。Oh，howslowandsluggishcreptthoseminutesalong！Howmanyeternitieshadshestilltowaitbeforehewouldcome——he，herlover，andsoonherhusband！Washealreadywiththequeen？Couldsheexpecthimalready？Shestoodasifspellboundatthewindow，andlookeddownintothecourtyard。Throughthatgreatgatewayovertherehemustcome；throughthatdooryonderhemustgo，inordertoreachthequeen\'sapartments。

Sheutteredanexclamation，andaglowingblushflittedacrossherface。There，there，hewas。Yonderdrewuphisequipage；hisgold-

lacedlackeysopenedthedoorandhealighted。Howhandsomehewas，andhowmagnificenttolookupon！Hownobleandproudhistallfigure！Howregularlybeautifulhisfresh，youthfulface！Howsaucythehaughtysmileabouthismouth；andhowhiseyesflamedandflashedandshoneinwantonnessandyouthfulhappiness。HislookglancedforamomentatElizabeth\'swindow。Hesalutedher，andthenenteredthedoorleadingtothewingofthepalaceofWhitehalloccupiedbythequeen。Elizabeth\'sheartbeatsoviolentlythatshefeltalmostsuffocated。Nowhemusthavereachedthegreatstaircase——nowhewasaboveit——nowhewasenteringthequeen\'sapartments——hetraversesthefirst，thesecond，thethirdchamber。

InthefourthCatharinewaswaitingforhim。

ElizabethwouldhavegivenayearofherlifetohearwhatCatharinewouldsaytohim，andwhatreplyhewouldmaketothesurprisingintelligence——ayearofherlifetobeabletoseehisrapture，hisastonishment，andhisdelight。Hewassohandsomewhenhesmiled，sobewitchingwhenhiseyesblazedwithloveandpleasure。

Elizabethwasayoung，impulsivechild。Shehadafeelingasifshemustsuffocateintheagonyofexpectation；herheartleapedintohermouth；herbreathwasstifledinherbreast，shewassoimpatientforhappiness。

"Oh，ifhedoesnotcomesoonIshalldie！"murmuredshe。"Oh，ifI

couldonlyatleastseehim，oronlyhearhim！"Allatonceshestopped；hereyesflashedup，andabewitchingsmileflittedacrossherfeatures。"Yes，"saidshe，"Iwillseehim，andIwillhearhim。

Icandoit，andIwilldoit。Ihavethekeywhichthequeengaveme，andwhichopensthedoorthatseparatesmyroomsfromhers。WiththatkeyImayreachherbed-chamber，andnexttothebed-chamberisherboudoir，inwhich，withoutdoubt，shewillreceivetheearl。I

willenterquitesoftly，and，hidingmyselfbehindthehangingwhichseparatesthebed-chamberfromtheboudoir，Ishallbeabletoseehim，andheareverythingthathesays！"

Shelaughedoutloudandmerrily，likeachild，andsprangforthekey，whichlayonherwriting-table。Likeatrophyofvictorysheswungithighaboveheronherhandandcried，"Iwillseehim！"

Thenlight，joyful，andwithbeamingeye，shelefttheroom。

Shehadconjecturedrightly。Catharinereceivedtheearlinherboudoir。Shesatonthedivanstandingoppositethedoorwhichledintothereception-room。Thatdoorwasopen，andsoCatharinehadaperfectviewofthewholeofthatlargespace。Shecouldseetheearlashetraversedit。Shecouldoncemoreenjoy，witharapturepainfullysweet，hisproudbeauty，andletherlooksrestonhimwithloveandadoration。Butatlengthhecrossedthethresholdoftheboudoir；andnowtherewasanendofherhappiness，ofhersweetdream，andofherhopesandherrapture。Shewasnothingmorethanthequeen，thewifeofadyingking；nolongerEarlSeymour\'sbeloved，nolongerhisfutureandhishappiness。

Shehadcouragetogreethimwithasmile；andhervoicedidnottremblewhenshebadehimshutthedoorleadingintothehall，anddropthehanging。Hedidso，gazingatherwithlooksofsurprise。

Hedidnotcomprehendthatshedaredgivehimaninterview；forthekingwasstillalive，andevenwithhistonguefalteringindeathhemightdestroythemboth。

Whydidshenotwaittillthemorrow？Onthemorrowthekingmightbealreadydead；andthentheycouldseeeachotherwithoutconstraintandwithoutdanger。Thenwasshehis，andnaughtcouldlongerstandinthewaybetweenthemandhappiness。Now，whenthekingwasnearhisdeath——nowhelovedheronly——helovedbutCatharine。Hisambitionhaddecidedhisheart。DeathhadbecomethejudgeoverSeymour\'sdoubleaffectionanddividedheart，andwithKingHenry\'sdeathElizabeth\'sstarhadalsopaled。

Catharinewasthewidowofaking；andwithoutdoubtthistenderhusbandhadappointedhisyoungandadoredwifeRegentduringtheminorityofthePrinceofWales。Catharinethenwouldhavestillfiveyearsofunlimitedsway，ofroyalauthorityandsovereignpower。IfCatharinewerehiswife，thenwouldhe，ThomasSeymour，sharethispower；andthepurplerobesofroyalty，whichrestedonhershoulders，wouldcoverhimalso；andhewouldhelpherbearthatcrownwhichdoubtlessmightsometimespressheavilyonhertenderbrow。Hewould，inreality，betheregent，andCatharinewouldbesoonlyinname。She，theQueenofEngland，andhe，kingofthisqueen。

Whataproud，intoxicatingthoughtwasthat！Andwhatplans，whathopesmightnotbetwinedwithit！Fiveyearsofsway——wasnotthatatimelongenoughtounderminethethroneoftheroyalboyandtosaphisauthority？Whocouldconjecturewhetherthepeople，onceaccustomedtotheregencyofthequeen，mightnotprefertoremainunderhersceptre，insteadofcommittingthemselvestothisfeebleyouth？Thepeoplemustbeconstrainedsotothink，andtomakeCatharine，ThomasSeymour\'swife，theirreigningqueen。

Thekingwassickuntodeath，andCatharinewas，withoutdoubt，theregent——perchancesomedaythesovereignqueen。

PrincessElizabethwasonlyapoorprincess，entirelywithoutaprospectofthethrone；forbeforehercameCatharine，cameEdward，andfinallyMary，Elizabeth\'seldestsister。Elizabethhadnottheleastprospectofthethrone，andCatharinethenearestandbestfounded。

ThomasSeymourponderedthisashetraversedtheapartmentsofthequeen；andwhenheenteredherpresence，hehadconvincedhimselfthathelovedthequeenonly，andthatitwasshealonewhomhehadalwaysloved。Elizabethwasforgottenanddespised。Shehadnoprospectofthethrone——why，then，shouldheloveher？

Thequeen，aswehavesaid，orderedhimtoshutthedooroftheboudoirandtodropthehanging。Atthesamemomentthathedidthis，thehangingoftheoppositedoor，leadingintothesleepingapartment，moved——perhapsonlythedraughtoftheclosingdoorhaddoneit。NeitherthequeennorSeymournoticedit。Theywerebothtoomuchoccupiedwiththemselves。Theysawnothowthehangingagainandagaingentlyshookandtrembled。Theysawnothowitwasgentlyopenedalittleinthemiddle；nordidtheyseethesparklingeyeswhichsuddenlypeepedthroughtheopeninginthehanging；norsuspectedtheythatitwasthePrincessElizabethwhohadsteppedbehindthecurtain，thebettertoseeandhearwhatwastakingplaceintheboudoir。

Thequeenhadarisenandadvancedafewstepstomeettheearl。Asshenowstoodbeforehim——astheireyesmet，shefelthercouragesinkandherheartfail。

Shewascompelledtolookdownatthefloortopreventhimfromseeingthetearswhichinvoluntarilycameintohereyes。Withasilentsalutationsheofferedhimherhand。ThomasSeymourpresseditimpulsivelytohislips，andlookedwithpassionatetendernessintoherface。Shestruggledtocollectallherstrength，thatherheartmightnotbetrayitself。Withahurriedmovementshewithdrewherhandfromhim，andtookfromthetablearollofpapercontainingthenewactofsuccessionsignedbytheking。

"Mylord，"saidshe，"Ihavecalledyouhither，becauseIwouldliketointrustacommissiontoyou。IbegyoutocarrythisparchmenttothePrincessElizabeth，andbepleasedtodeliverittoher。Butbeforeyoudothat，Iwillmakeyouacquaintedwithitscontents。

Thisparchmentcontainsanewlawrelativetothesuccession，whichhasalreadyreceivedthesanctionoftheking。Byvirtueofthis，theroyalprincessesarenolongerunderthenecessityofunitingthemselveswithahusbandwhoisasovereignprince，iftheywishtopreservetheirhereditaryclaimonthethroneunimpaired。Thekinggivestheprincessestherighttofollowtheirownhearts；andtheirclaimtothesuccessionisnottosufferthereby，ifthehusbandchosenisneitherakingnoraprince。That，mylord，isthecontentsofthisparchmentwhichyouaretocarrytotheprincess，andwithoutdoubtyouwillthankmeformakingyouthemessengerofthesegladtidings。"

"Andwhy，"askedhe，inastonishment——"whydoesyourmajestybelievethatthisintelligenceshouldfillmewithspecialthankfulness？"

Shecollectedallherpowers；sheprayedtoherownheartforstrengthandself-control。

"Becausetheprincesshasmademetheconfidanteofherlove，andbecauseIamconsequentlyawareofthetendertiewhichbindsyoutoher，"saidshe，gently；andshefeltthatallthebloodhadfledfromhercheeks。

Theearllookedintoherfaceinmuteastonishment。Thenhisinquiringandsearchingglancesweptallaroundtheroom。

"Weareoverheard，then？"askedhe，inalowvoice。

"Wearenotalone？"

"Wearealone，"saidCatharine，aloud。"Nobodycanhearus，andGodaloneiswitnessofourconversation。"

Elizabeth，whostoodbehindthehanging，felthercheeksglowwithshame，andshebegantorepentwhatshehaddone。Butshewasnevertheless，asitwere，spellboundtothatspot。Itwascertainlymeanandunworthyofaprincesstoeavesdrop，butshewasatthattimebutayounggirlwholoved，andwhowantedtoobserveherlover。Soshestayed；shelaidherhandonheranxiously-throbbingheart，andmurmuredtoherself:"Whatwillhesay？Whatmeansthisanxiousdreadthatcomesoverme？"

"Well，"saidThomasSeymour，inanentirelyalteredtone，"ifwearealone，thenthismaskwhichhidesmyfacemayfall；thenthecuirasswhichbindsmyheartmayheloosened。Hail，Catharine，mystarandmyhope！Noone，yousay，hearsus，saveGodalone；andGodknowsourlove，andHeknowswithwhatlonging，andwhatecstasy，Ihavesighedforthishour——forthishour，whichatlengthagainunitesmetoyou。MyGod，itisaneternitysinceIhaveseenyou，Catharine；

andmyheartthirstedforyouasafamishingmanforarefreshingdraught。Catharine，mybeloved，blessedbeyou，thatyouhaveatlastcalledmetoyou！"

Heopenedhisarmsforher，butsherepulsedhimsharply。"Youaremistakeninthename，earl，"saidshe，bitterly。"YousayCatharine，andmeanElizabeth！Itistheprincessthatyoulove:toElizabethbelongsyourheart，andshehasdevotedherhearttoyou。Oh，earl，Iwillfavorthislove，andbecertainIwillnotceasefromprayerandsupplicationtillIhaveinclinedthekingtoyourwishes，tillhehasgivenhisconsenttoyourmarriagewiththePrincessElizabeth。"

ThomasSeymourlaughed。"Thisisamasquerade，Catharine；andyoustillwearamaskoveryourbeautifulandcharmingface。(Oh，awaywiththatmask，queen！Iwanttobeholdyouasyouare。Iwanttoseeagainyourownbeautifulself；Iwanttoseethewomanwhobelongstome，andwhohassworntobemine，andwhohas，withathousandsacredoaths，vowedtoloveme，tobetruetome，andtofollowmeasherhusbandandherlord。Orhow，Catharine！Canyouhaveforgottenyouroath？Canyouhavebecomeuntruetoyourownheart？Doyouwanttocastmeaway，andthrowme，likeaballofwhichyouaretired，toanother？"

"Oh，"saidshe，quiteunconsciously，"I——Icanneverforgetandneverbeuntrue。"

"Well，then，myCatharine，thebrideandwifeofmyfuture，whatthenareyouspeakingtomeofElizabeth？——ofthislittleprincess，whosighsforloveastheflower-budforthesun，andtakesthefirstmanwhomshefindsinherwayforthesunafterwhichshepines？WhatcareweforElizabeth，myCatharine？Andwhathavewetodowiththatchildinthishouroflong-wished-forreunion？"

"Oh，hecallsmeachild！"murmuredElizabeth。"Iamnothingbutachildtohim！"Andshepressedherhandsonhermouthinordertorepresshercryofangerandanguish，andtopreventthemfromhearingherteeth，whichwerechatteringasthoughshewereinachill。

WithirresistibleforceThomasSeymourdrewCatharineintohisarms。

"Avoidmenolonger，"saidhe，intenderentreaty。"Thehourhascomewhichisfinallytodetermineourdestiny！Thekingisatthepointofdeath，andmyCatharinewillatlengthbefree——freetofollowherownheart。AtthishourIremindyouofyouroath！Doyourememberstillthatdaywhenyoureferredmetothishour？Doyoustillknow，Catharine，howyouvowedtobemywifeandtoreceivemeasthelordofyourfuture？Oh，mybeloved，thatcrownwhichweigheddownyourheadwillsoonbetakenaway。NowIyetstandbeforeyouasyoursubject，butinafewhoursitwillbeyourlordandyourhusbandthatstandsbeforeyou；andhewillask:\'Catharine，mywife，haveyoukeptwithmethefaithyousworetome？Haveyoubeenguiltlessofperjuryinrespectofyourvowsandyourlove？Haveyoupreservedmyhonor，whichisyourhonoralso，clearfromeveryspot；

andcanyou，freefromguilt，lookmeintheeye？"

Hegazedatherwithproud，flashingeyes，andbeforehiscommandinglookherfirmnessandherpridemeltedawaylikeicebeforethesunshine。Againhewasthemaster，whoserightitwastoruleherheart；andsheagainthelowlyhandmaid，whosesweetesthappinessitwastosubmitandbowtothewillofherlover。

"Icanlookyoufranklyintheeye，"murmuredshe，"andnoguiltburdensmyconscience。Ihavelovednaughtbutyou，andmyGodonlydwellsnearyouinmyheart。"Whollyovercome，whollyintoxicatedwithhappiness，sheleanedherheaduponhisshoulder，andasheclaspedherinhisarms，ashecoveredwithkisseshernowunresistinglips，shefeltonlythatshelovedhimunutterably，andthattherewasnohappinessforherexceptwithhim。

Itwasasweetdream，amomentofmostexquisiteecstasy。Butitwasonlyamoment。Ahandwaslaidviolentlyonhershoulder，ahoarseangryvoicecalledhername；andasshelookedup，sheencounteredthewildglanceofElizabeth，whostoodbeforeherwithdeathlypalecheeks，withtremblinglips，withexpandednostrils，andeyesdartingflashesofwrathandhatred。

"This，then，isthefriendlyservicewhichyousworetome？"saidshe，gnashingherteeth。"Didyoustealintomyconfidence，andwithscoffingmouthspyoutthesecretsofmyheart，inordertogoawayandbetraythemtoyourparamour？Thatyoumightinhisarmsridiculethispitiablemaiden，whoallowedherselfforthemomenttobebetrayedbyherheart，andtookafelonforanhonorableman！

Woe，woetoyou，Catharine，forItellyouIwillhavenocompassionontheadulteress，whomocksatme，andbetraysmyfather！"

Shewasraving；completelybesideherselfwithanger，shedashedawaythehandwhichCatharinelaidonhershoulder，andsprangbackfromthetouchofherenemylikeanirritatedlioness。

Herfather\'sbloodfumedandragedwithinher，and，atruedaughterofHenrytheEighth，sheconcealedinherheartonlybloodthirstyandrevengefulthoughts。

ShecastonThomasSeymouralookofdarkwrath，andacontemptuoussmileplayedaboutherlips。"Mylord，"saidshe，"youhavecalledmeachildwhoallowsherselftobeeasilydeceived，becauseshelongssomuchforthesunandforhappiness。Youareright:Iwasachild；andIwasfoolishenoughtotakeamiserableliarforanoble-man，whowasworthyoftheproudfortuneofbeinglovedbyaking\'sdaughter。Yes，youareright；thatwasachildishdream。

Thankstoyou，Ihavenowawokefromit；andyouhavematuredthechildintoawoman，wholaughsatthefollyofheryouth，anddespisesto-daywhatsheadoredyesterday。Ihavenothingtodowithyou；andyouareeventooinsignificantandtoocontemptibleformyanger。ButItellyou，youhaveplayedahazardousgame，andyouwilllose。Youcourtedaqueenandaprincess，andyouwillgainneitherofthem:nottheone，forshedespisesyou；nottheother，forsheascendsthescaffold！"

Withawildlaughshewashurryingtothedoor，butCatharinewithastronghandheldherbackandcompelledhertoremain。"Whatareyougoingtodo？"askedshe，withperfectcalmnessandcomposure。

"WhatamIgoingtodo？"askedElizabeth，hereyesflashinglikethoseofalioness。"YouaskmewhatIwilldo？Iwillgotomyfather，andtellhimwhatIhaveherewitnessed！Hewilllistentome；andhistonguewillstillhavestrengthenoughtopronounceyoursentenceofdeath！Oh，mymotherdiedonthescaffold，andyetshewasinnocent。Wewillsee，forsooth，whetheryouwillescapethescaffold——you，whoareguilty！"

"Well，then，gotoyourfather，"saidCatharine；"goandaccuseme。

Butfirstyoushallhearme。ThismanwhomIloved，Iwantedtorenounce，inordertogivehimtoyou。Bytheconfessionofyourlove，youhadcrushedmyhappinessandmyfuture。ButIwasnotangrywithyou。Iunderstoodyouheart，forThomasSeymourisworthyofbeingloved。Butyouareright；fortheking\'swifeitwasasinfullove，howeverinnocentandpureImayhavebeen。OnthataccountIwantedtorenounceit；onthataccountIwanted，onthefirstconfessionfromyou，tosilentlysacrificemyself。Youyourselfhavenowmadeitanimpossibility。Go，then，andaccuseustoyourfather，andfearnotthatIwillbeliemyheart。Now，thatthecrisishascome，itshallfindmeprepared；andonthescaffoldIwillstillaccountmyselfblest，forThomasSeymourlovesme！"

"Ay，helovesyou，Catharine！"criedhe，completelyovercomeandenchantedbyhernoble，majesticbearing。

"Helovesyousowarmlyandardently，thatdeathwithyouseemstohimanenviablelot；andhewouldnotexchangeitforanythronenorforanycrown。"

Andashethusspoke，heputhisarmsaroundCatharine\'sneck，andimpetuouslydrewhertohisheart。

Elizabethutteredafiercescream，andsprangtothedoor。Butwhatnoisewasthatwhichallatoncedrewnigh；whichsuddenly，likeawildbillow，cameroaringon，andfilledtheanteroomsandthehalls？Whatweretheseaffrighted，shriekingvoicescalling？Whatweretheyscreamingtothequeen，andthephysicians，andthepriest？

Elizabethstoppedamazed，andlistened。ThomasSeymourandCatharine，armlinkedinarm，stoodnearher。Theyscarcelyheardwhatwastakingplace；theylookedateachotherandsmiled，anddreamedofloveanddeathandaneternityofhappiness。

Nowthedoorflewopen；therewasseenJohnHeywood\'spaleface:

therewerethemaidsofhonorandthecourtofficials。Andallshriekedandallwailed:"Thekingisdying！Heisstruckwithapoplexy！Thekingisatthepointofdeath！"

"Thekingcallsyou！Thekingdesirestodieinthearmsofhiswife！"saidJohnHeywood，and，ashequietlypushedElizabethasideandawayfromthedoorasshewaspressingviolentlyforward，headded:"Thekingwillseenobodybuthiswifeandthepriest；andhehasauthorizedmetocallthequeen！"

Heopenedthedoor；andthroughthelinesofweepingandwailingcourtofficialsandservants，Catharinemovedon，togotothedeath-bedofherroyalhusband。

CHAPTERXXXVII。

"LEROIESTMORT——VIVELAREINE！"

KingHenrylaya-dying。Thatlifefullofsin，fullofbloodandcrime，fulloftreacheryandcunning，fullofhypocrisyandsanctimoniouscruelty——thatlifewasatlastlivedout。Thathand，whichhadsignedsomanydeath-warrants，wasnowclutchedinthethroesofdeath。IthadstiffenedattheverymomentwhenthekingwasgoingtosigntheDukeofNorfolk\'sdeath-warrant。[Footnote:

historical。Theking\'sownwords——Leti，vol。I，p。16。]Andthekingwasdyingwiththegnawingconsciousnessthathehadnolongerthepowertothrottlethatenemywhomhehated。Themightykingwasnownothingmorethanafeeble，dyingoldman，whowasnolongerabletoholdthepenandsignthisdeath-warrantforwhichhehadsolonghankeredandhoped。Nowitlaybeforehim，andhenolongerhadthepowertouseit。God，inHiswisdomandHisjustice，haddecreedagainsthimthemostgrievousandhorribleofpunishments；Hehadlefthimhisconsciousness；Hehadnotcrippledhiminmind，butinbodyonly。Andthatmotionlessandrigidmasswhich，growingchillindeath，laythereonthecouchofpurpletrimmedwithgold——thatwastheking——akingwhomagonyofconsciencedidnotpermittodie，andwhonowshudderedandwashorrifiedinviewofdeath，towhichhehad，withrelentlesscruelty，huntedsomanyofhissubjects。

CatharineandtheArchbishopofCanterbury，thenobleCranmer，stoodathisbedside:andwhilstinconvulsiveagonyhegraspedCatharine\'shands，helistenedtothedevoutprayerswhichCranmerwassayingoverhim。

Onceheaskedwithmumblingtongue:"Mylord，whatkindofaworldthenisthatwherethosewhocondemnotherstodie，arecondemnedtodiethemselves？"

AndasthepiousCranmer，touchedbytheagoniesandtorturesofconsciencewhichhereadintheking\'slooks，andfullofpityforthedyingtyrant，soughttocomforthim，andspoketohimofthemercyofGodwhichhascompassiononeverysinner，thekinggroanedout:"No，no！Nomercyforhimwhoknewnomercy！"

Atlengththisawfulstruggleofdeathwithlifewasended；anddeathhadvanquishedlife。Thekinghadclosedhiseyestoearth，toopenthemagainthereabove，asaguilt-ladensinnerinthepresenceofGod。

Forthreedayshisdeathwaskeptasecret。Theywantedfirsttohaveeverythingarranged，andtofillupthevoidwhichhisdeathmustmake。Theywanted，whentheyspoketothepeopleofthedeadking，toshowthemalsoatthesametimethelivingking。Andsincetheyknewthatthepeoplewouldnotweepforthedead，theyweretorejoicefortheliving；sincetheywouldsingnofuneralpsalms，theyweretolettheirhymnsofjoyresound。

OnthethirddaythegatesofWhitehallwerethrownopen，andagloomyfuneraltrainmovedthroughthestreetsofLondon。Indeadsilencethepopulacesawbornepastthemthecoffinoftheking，beforewhomtheyhadtrembledsomuch，andforwhomtheynowhadnotawordofmourningorofpity——notearsforthedeadwhoforseven-

and-thirtyyearshadbeentheirking。

TheywerebearingthecoffintoWestminsterAbbeytothesplendidmonumentwhichWolseyhadbuiltthereforhisroyalmaster。Butthewaywaslong，andthepantinghorseswithblackhousings，whichdrewthehearse，hadoftentostopandrest。Andallofasudden，asthecarriagestoodstillononeofthelargeopensquares，bloodwasseentoissuefromtheking\'scoffin。Itstreameddownincrimsoncurrentsandflowedoverthestonesofthestreets。Thepeoplewithashudderstoodaroundandsawtheking\'sbloodflowing，andthoughthowmuchbloodhehadspiltonthatsamespot，forthecoffinwasstandingonthesquarewheretheexecutionswerewonttotakeplace，andwherethescaffoldswereerectedandthestakesset。Asthepeoplestoodgazingatthebloodwhichflowedfromtheking\'scoffin，twodogssprangforthfromthecrowdand，withgreedytongue，lickedthebloodofKingHenrytheEighth。Butthepeople，shudderingandhorror-stricken，fledinalldirections，andtalkedamongthemselvesofthepoorpriestwhoafewweeksbeforewasexecutedhereonthisveryspot，becausehewouldnotrecognizethekingasthesupremelordoftheChurchandGod\'svicegerent；ofthatunfortunatemanwhocursedtheking，andonthescaffoldsaid:"Maythedogsonedaydrinkthebloodofthiskingwhohasshedsomuchinnocentblood！"Andnowthecurseofthedyingmanhadfounditsfulfilment，andthedogshaddrunktheking\'sblood。[Footnote:

Historical——SeeTytler，p。481。]

WhenthegloomyfuneraltrainhadleftthepalaceofWhitehall，whentheking\'scorpsenolongerinfectedthehallswithitsawfulstenchofcorruption，andthecourtwaspreparingtodohomagetotheboyEdwardasthenewking，ThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley，enteredtheroomoftheyoungroyalwidow。Hecameinamagnificentmourningsuit，andhiselderbrother，EdwardSeymour，andCranmer，archbishopofCanterbury，walkedbyhisside。

Withablushandasweetsmile，Catharinebadethemwelcome。

"Queen，"saidThomasSeymourwithsolemnair，"Icometo-daytoclaimofyouthefulfilmentofyourvow！Oh，donotcastdownyoureyes，norblushforshame。Thenoblearchbishopknowsyourheart，andheknowsthatitisaspureastheheartofamaiden，andthatanunchastethoughthasneversulliedyourpuresoul。Andmybrotherwouldnotbehere，hadhenotfaithinandrespectforalovewhichhaspreserveditselfsofaithfulandconstantamidststormsanddangers。Ihaveselectedthesetwonoblefriendsasmysuitors，andintheirpresenceIwillaskyou:\'QueenCatharine，thekingisdead，andnofetterslongerbindyourheart；willyounotgiveitmeasmyown？Willyouacceptmeasyourhusband，andsacrificeformeyourroyaltitleandyourexaltedposition？\'"

Withabewitchingsmileshegavehimherhand。"Youwellknow，"

whisperedshe，"thatIsacrificenothingforyou，butreceivefromyouallofhappinessandlovethatIhopefor。"

"Willyouthen，inthepresenceofthesetwofriends，acceptmeasyourfuturehusband，andplightmeyourvowoftruthandlove？"

Catharinetrembledandcastdownhereyeswiththebashfulnessofayounggirl。"Alas！"whisperedshe，"doyounotthenseemymourningdress？Isitbecomingtothinkofhappiness，whilethefunerallamentationshavescarcelydiedaway？"

"QueenCatharine，"saidArchbishopCranmer，"letthedeadburytheirdead！Lifealsohasitsrights；andmanshouldnotgiveuphisclaimonhappiness，foritisamostholypossession。Youhaveenduredmuchandsufferedmuch，queen，butyourheartispureandwithoutguilt；thereforeyoumaynow，withaclearconscience，bidwelcometohappinessalso。Donotdelayaboutit。InGod\'snameIhavecometoblessyourlove，andgivetoyourhappinessaholyconsecration。"

"AndI，"saidEdwardSeymour，"IhavebeggedofmybrotherthehonorofbeingallowedtoaccompanyhiminordertosaytoyourmajestythatIknowhowtodulyappreciatethehighhonorwhichyoushowourfamily，andthat，asyourbrother-in-law，IshalleverbemindfulthatyouwereoncemyqueenandIyoursubject。"

"ButI，"criedThomasSeymour，"Iwouldnotdelaycomingtoyou，inorderthatImightshowyouthatloveonlybringsmetoyou，andthatnootherconsiderationcouldinduceme。Theking\'swillisnotyetopened，andIknownotitscontents。Buthoweveritmaydeterminewithrespecttoallofus，itcannotdiminishorincreasemyhappinessinpossessingyou。Whateveryoumaybe，youwilleverbetomeonlytheadoredwoman，theardentlylovedwife；andonlytoassureyouofthis，Ihavecomethisveryday。"

Catharineextendedherhandtohimwithabewitchingsmile。"Ihaveneverdoubtedofyou，Seymour，"whisperedshe，"andneverdidIloveyoumoreardentlythanwhenIwantedtorenounceyou。"

Shebowedherheadonherlover\'sshoulder，andtearsofpurestjoybedewedhercheeks。TheArchbishopofCanterburyjoinedtheirhands，andblessedthemasbetrothedlovers；andtheelderSeymour，EarlHertford，bowedandgreetedthemasabetrothedcouple。

Onthatverysamedaytheking\'swillwasopened。Inthelargegildedhall，inwhichKingHenry\'smerrylaughterandthunderingvoiceofwrathhadsooftenresounded，werenowreadhislastcommands。Thewholecourtwasassembled，asitwaswonttobeforajoyousfestival；andCatharineoncemoresatontheroyalthrone。

Butthedreadedtyrant，thebloodthirstyKingHenrytheEighth，wasnolongeratherside；butthepoorpaleboy，Edward，whohadinheritedfromhisfatherneitherenergynorgenius，butonlyhisthirstforbloodandhiscantinghypocrisy。Athissidestoodhissisters，thePrincessesMaryandElizabeth。Bothwerepaleandofasadcountenance；butwithboth，itwasnotfortheirfatherthattheyweregrieving。

Mary，thebigotedRomanCatholic，sawwithhorrorandbitteranguishthedaysofadversitywhichwereabouttobefallherchurch；forEdwardwasafanaticalopponentoftheRomanCatholicreligion，andsheknewthathewouldshedthebloodofthepapistswithrelentlesscruelty。Onthisaccountitwasthatshemourned。

ButElizabeth，thatyounggirlofardentheart——shethoughtneitherofherfathernorofthedangersthreateningtheChurch；shethoughtonlyofherlove，shefeltonlythatshehadbeendeprivedofahope，ofanillusion——thatshehadawokefromasweetandenchantingdreamtotherudeandbarrenreality。Shehadgivenupherfirstlove，butherheartbledandthewoundstillsmarted。

Thewillwasread。ElizabethlookedtowardThomasSeymourduringthissolemnandportentousreading。Shewantedtoreadinhiscountenancetheimpressionmadeonhimbythesegravewords，sopregnantwiththefuture；shewantedtosearchthedepthsofhissoul，andtopenetratethesecretthoughtsofhisheart。Shesawhowheturnedpalewhen，notQueenCatharine，buthisbrother，EarlHertford，wasappointedregentduringEdward\'sminority；shesawthesinister，almostangrylookwhichhethrewatthequeen；andwithacruelsmileshemurmured:

"Iamrevenged！Heloveshernolonger！"

JohnHeywood，whowasstandingbehindthequeen\'sthrone，hadalsoobservedthelookofThomasSeymour，yetnotlikeElizabeth，witharejoicing，butwithasorrowfulheart，andhedroppedhisheaduponhisbreastandmurmured:"PoorCatharine！Hewillhateher，andshewillbeveryunhappy。"

Butshewasstillhappy。Hereyebeamedwithpuredelightwhensheperceivedthatherloverwas，bytheking\'swill，appointedHighAdmiralofEnglandandguardianoftheyoungking。Shethoughtnotofherself，butonlyofhim，ofherlover；anditfilledherwiththeproudestsatisfactiontoseehiminvestedwithplacesofsuchhighhonoranddignity。

PoorCatharine！Hereyedidnotseethesullencloudwhichstillrestedonthebrowofherbeloved。Shewassohappyandsoinnocent，andsolittleambitious！Forherthisonlywashappiness，tobeherlover\'s，tobethewifeofThomasSeymour。

Andthishappinesswastobehers。ThirtydaysafterthedeathofKingHenrytheEighthshebecamethewifeofthehighadmiral，ThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。ArchbishopCranmersolemnizedtheirunioninthechapelatWhitehall，andthelordprotector，nowDukeofSomerset，formerlyEarlofHertford，thebrotherofThomasSeymour，wasthewitnessofthismarriage，whichwas，however，stillkeptasecret，andofwhichthereweretobenootherwitnesses。

When，however，theyresortedtothechapelforthemarriage，PrincessElizabethcameforwardtomeetthequeen，andofferedherhand。

Itwasthefirsttimetheyhadmetsincethedreadfuldayonwhichtheyconfrontedeachotherasenemies——thefirsttimethattheyhadagainseeneachothereyetoeye。

Elizabethhadwrungthissacrificefromherheart。HerproudsoulrevoltedatthethoughtthatThomasSeymourmightimaginethatshewasstillgrievingforhim，thatshestilllovedhim。Shewouldshowhimthatherheartwasentirelyrecoveredfromthatfirstdreamofheryouth——thatshehadnottheleastregretorpain。

Sheaccostedhimwithahaughty，coldsmile，andpresentedCatharineherhand。"Queen，"saidshe，"youhavesolongbeenakindandfaithfulmothertome，thatImaywelloncemoreclaimtherightofbeingyourdaughter。Letme，therefore，asyourdaughter，bepresentatthesolemntransactioninwhichyouareabouttoengage；andallowmetostandatyoursideandprayforyou，whilstthearchbishopperformsthesacredservice，andtransformsthequeenintotheCountessofSudley。MayGodblessyou，Catharine，andgiveyouallthehappinessthatyoudeserve！"

AndPrincessElizabethkneltatCatharine\'sside，asthearchbishopblestthisnewmarriagetie。AndwhilesheprayedhereyeagainglidedovertowardThomasSeymour，whowasstandingtherebyhisyoungwife。Catharine\'scountenancebeamedwithbeautyandhappiness，butuponThomasSeymour\'sbrowstilllaythecloudthathadsettledthereonthatdaywhentheking\'swillwasopened——thatwillwhichdidnotmakeQueenCatharineregent，andwhichtherebydestroyedThomasSeymour\'sproudandambitiousschemes。

AndthatcloudremainedonThomasSeymour\'sbrow。Itsankdownlowerandstilllower。ItsoonovershadowedthehappinessofCatharine\'slove，andawakenedherfromhershortdreamofbliss。

Whatshesuffered，howmuchofsecretagonyandsilentwoesheendured，whocanwishtoknoworconjecture？Catharinehadaproudandachastesoul。Sheconcealedfromtheworldherpainandhergrief，asbashfullyasshehadoncedoneherlove。Nobodysuspectedwhatshesufferedandhowshestruggledwithhercrushedheart。

Shenevercomplained；shesawbloomafterbloomfallfromherlife；

shesawthesmiledisappearfromherhusband\'scountenance；sheheardhisvoice，atfirstsotender，graduallyhardentoharshertones；shefelthisheartgrowingcolderandcolder，andhislovechangingintoindifference，perhapsevenintohate。

Shehaddevotedherwholehearttolove，butshefeltdaybyday，andhourbyhour，thatherhusband\'sheartwascoolingmoreandmore。Shefelt，withdreadfulheartrendingcertainty，shewashiswithallherlove。

Buthewasnolongerhers。

Andshetormentedherhearttofindoutwhyhenolongerlovedher——

whatshehadbeenguiltyof，thatheturnedawayfromher。Seymourhadnotthedelicacyandmagnanimitytoconcealfromherhisinwardthoughts；andatlastshecomprehendedwhyheneglectedher。

HehadhopedthatCatharinewouldbeRegentofEngland，thathethenwouldbeconsortoftheregent。Becauseithadnothappenedsohislovehaddied。

Catharinefeltthis，andshediedofit。Butnotsuddenly，notatonce，diddeathreleaseherfromhersorrowsandrackingtortures。

Sixmonthsshehadtosufferandstrugglewiththem。Aftersixmonthsshedied。

Strangerumorswerespreadatherdeath；andJohnHeywoodneverpassedbyEarlSeymourwithoutgazingathimwithanangrylook，andsaying:"Youhavemurderedthebeautifulqueen！Denyit，ifyoucan！"

ThomasSeymourlaughed，anddidnotconsideritworthhiswhiletodefendhimselfagainsttheaccusationsofthefool。Helaughed，notwithstandinghehadnotyetputoffthemourningheworeforCatharine。

InthesemourninggarmentsheventuredtoapproachthePrincessElizabeth，tosweartoherhisardentlove，andsueforherhand。

ButElizabethrepelledhimwithcoldnessandhaughtycontempt；and，likethefool，theprincessalsosaid:"YouhavemurderedCatharine！

Icannotbethewifeofamurderer！"

AndGod\'sjusticepunishedthemurdereroftheinnocentandnobleCatharine；andscarcelythreemonthsafterthedeathofhiswife，thehighadmiralhadtoascendthescaffold，andwasexecutedasatraitor。

ByCatharine\'swish，herbooksandpapersweregiventohertruefriendJohnHeywood，andheundertookwiththegreatestcareanexaminationofthesame。Hefoundamongherpapersmanyleaveswrittenbyherself，manyversesandpoems，whichbreathedforththesorrowfulnessofherspirit。Catharineherselfhadcollectedthemintoabook，andwithherownhandshehadgiventothebookthistitle:"LamentationsofaSinner。"

Catharinehadweptmuchasshepennedthese"Lamentations"；forinmanyplacesthemanuscriptwasillegible，andhertearshadobliteratedthecharacters。

JohnHeywoodkissedthespotswherethetracesofhertearsremained，andwhispered:"Thesinnerhasbyhersufferingbeenglorifiedintoasaint；andthesepoemsarethecrossandthemonumentwhichshehaspreparedforherowngrave。Iwillsetupthiscross，thatthegoodmaytakecomfort，andthewickedfleefromit。"Andhedidso。Hehadthe"LamentationsofaSinner"printed；

andthisbookwasthefairestmonumentofCatharine。