"Whatisshetous？We，weloveeachother。Come，dearone，letmekissthetearsfromyoureyes；letmedrinkthisnectar，thatitmayinspireme，andtransfiguremetoagod！Weepnomore——no，weepnot；
　　or，ifyouwilldoso，beitonlyintheexcessofrapture，andbecausewordandheartaretoopoortoholdallthisbliss！"
　　"Yes，yes，letusshoutforjoy；letusbelostinblessedness！"
　　exclaimedshepassionately，aswithfranticviolenceshethrewherselfonhisbosom。
　　Bothwerenowsilent，mutelyrestingoneachother'sheart。
　　Oh，howsweetthissilence；howentrancingthisnoiseless，sacrednight！Howthetreeswithouttheremurmurandrustle，asiftheyweresingingaheavenlylullabytothelovers！howinquisitivelythepalecrescentmoonpeepsthroughthewindow，asthoughshewereseekingthetwainwhoseblessedconfidantesheis！
　　Buthappinessissoswift-winged，andtimefliessofast，whenloveistheircompanion！
　　Evennowtheymustpartagain——nowtheymustagainsayfarewell。
　　"Notyet，beloved，stayyet！See，thenightisstilldark；andhark，thecastleclockisjuststrikingtwo。No，gonotyet。"
　　"Imust，Henry，Imust；thehoursarepastinwhichIcanbehappy。"
　　"Oh，youcold，proudsoul！Doestheheadalreadylongagainforthecrown；andcanyouwaitnolongerforthepurpletoagaincoveryourshoulders？Come，letmekissyourshoulder；andthinknow，dear，thatmycrimsonlipsarealsoapurplerobe。
　　AndapurplerobeforwhichIwouldgladlygivemycrownandmylife！"criedshe，withtheutmostenthusiasm，asshefoldedhiminherarms。
　　"Doyouloveme，then？Doyoureallyloveme？"
　　"Yes，Iloveyou！"
　　"Canyousweartomethatyoulovenooneexceptme？"
　　"Icanswearit，astrueasthereisaGodaboveus，whohearsmyoath。"
　　"Blessyouforit，youdear，youonlyone——oh，howshallIcallyou？——youwhosenameImaynotutter！Oh，doyouknowthatitiscruelnevertonamethenameofthelovedone？Withdrawthatprohibition；grudgemenotthepainfullysweetpleasureofbeingableatleasttocallyoubyyourname！"
　　"No，"saidshe，withashudder；"forknowyounotthatthesleep-
　　walkersawakeoutoftheirdreamswhentheyarecalledbyname？Iamasomnambulist，who，withsmilingcourage，movesalongadizzyheight；callmebyname，andIshallawake，and，shuddering，plungeintotheabyssbeneath。Ah，Henry，Ihatemyname，foritispronouncedbyotherlipsthanyours。ForyouIwillnotbenamedasothermencallme。Baptizeme，myHenry；givemeanothername——anamewhichisoursecret，andwhichnooneknowsbesidesus。"
　　"InameyouGeraldine；andasGeraldineIwillpraiseandlaudyoubeforealltheworld。Iwill，inspiteofallthesespiesandlisteners，repeatagainandagainthatIloveyou，andnoone，notthekinghimself，shallbeabletoforbidme。"
　　"Hush！"saidshe，withashudder，"speaknotofhim！Oh，Iconjureyou，myHenry，becautious；thinkthatyouhavesworntomeevertothinkofthedangerthatthreatensus，andwill，withoutdoubt，dashusinpiecesifyou，byonlyasound，alook，orasmile，betraythesweetsecretthatunitesustwo。Areyoustillawarewhatyouhavesworntome？"
　　"Iamawareofit！ButitisanunnaturalDraconianlaw。What！evenwhenIamalonewithyou，shallIneverbeallowedtoaddressyouotherwisethanwiththatreverenceandrestrainwhichisduethequeen？Evenwhennoonecanhearus，mayI，bynosyllable，bynone，nottheslightestintimation，remindyouofourlove？"
　　"No，no，doitnot；forthiscastlehaseverywhereeyesandears，andeverywherearespiesandlistenersbehindthetapestry；behindthecurtains；everywherearetheyconcealedandlurking，watchingeveryfeature，everysmile，everyword，whetheritmaynotaffordgroundforsuspicion。No，no，Henry；sweartomebyourlovethatyouwillnever，unlesshereinthisroom，addressmeotherwisethanyourqueen。Sweartomethat，beyondthesewalls，youwillbetomeonlytherespectfulservantofyourqueen，andatthesametimetheproudearlandlord，ofwhomitissaidthatneverhasawomanbeenabletotouchhisheart。Sweartomethatyouwillnot，byalook，byasmile，byeventhegentlestpressureofthehand，betraywhatbeyondthisroomisacrimeforbothofus。Letthisroombethetempleofourlove；butwhenweoncepassitsthreshold，wewillnotprofanethesweetmysteriesofourhappiness，byallowingunholyeyestobeholdevenasinglerayofit。Shallitbeso，myHenry？
　　"Yes，itshallbeso！"saidhe，withatroubledvoice；"althoughI
　　mustconfessthatthisdreadfulillusionoftentorturesmealmosttodeath。Oh，Geraldine，whenImeetyouelsewhere，whenIobservetheeyesoicyandimmovable，withwhichyoumeetmylook，Ifeelasitweremyheartconvulsed；andIsaytomyself:'Thisisnotshe，whomIlove——notthetender，passionatewoman，whominthedarknessofthenightIsometimeslockinmyarms。ThisisCatharine，thequeen，butnotmylovedone。Awomancannotsodisguiseherself；artgoesnotsofarastofalsifytheentirenature，theinnermostbeingandlifeofaperson。'Oh，therehavebeenhours，awful，horriblehours，whenitseemedtomeasthoughallthiswereadelusion，amystification——asthoughinsomewayanevildemonassumedthequeen'sformbynighttomockme，poorfrenziedvisionary，withahappinessthathasnoexistence，butlivesonlyinmyimagination。
　　Whensuchthoughtscometome，Ifeelafrenziedfury，acrushingdespair，andIcould，regardlessofmyoathandeventhedangerthatthreatensyou，rushtoyou，and，beforeallthecourtlyrabbleandthekinghimself，ask:'Areyoureallywhatyouseem？Areyou，CatharineParr，KingHenry'swife——nothingmore，nothingelsethanthat？Orareyou，mybeloved，thewomanwhoismineinhereverythought，hereverybreath；whohasvowedtomeeternalloveandunchangingtruth；andwhomI，inspiteofthewholeworld，andtheking，presstomyheartasmyown？'"
　　"Unhappyman，ifyoueverventurethat，youdoomusbothtodeath！"
　　"Beitso，then！Indeathyouwillatleastbemine，andnoonewouldlongerdareseparateus，andyoureyeswouldnolongerlooksocoldandstrangelyuponme，astheyoftennowdo。Oh，Iconjureyou，gazenotuponmeatall，ifyoucannotdoitotherwisethanwiththosecold，proudlooks，thatbenumbmyheart。Turnawayyoureyes，andspeaktomewithavertedface。"
　　"Then，menwillsaythatIhateyou，Henry。"
　　"ItismoreagreeabletomeforthemtosayyouabhormethanforthemtoseethatIamwhollyindifferenttoyou；thatIamtoyounothingmorethantheEarlofSurrey，yourlordchamberlain。"
　　"No，no，Henry。Theyshallseethatyouaremoretomethanmerelythat。BeforethewholeassembledcourtIwillgiveyouatokenofmylove。Willyouthenbelieve，youdear，foolishenthusiast，thatI
　　loveyou，andthatitisnodemonthatrestshereinyourarmsandswearsthatshelovesnothingbutyou？Say，willyouthenbelieveme？"
　　"Iwillbelieveyou！Butno，thereisnoneedofanysign，oranyassurance。Nay，Iknowit；Ifeelindeedthesweetrealitythatcuddlestomyside，warm，andfillingmewithhappiness；anditisonlytheexcessofhappinessthatmakesmeincredulous。"
　　"Iwillconvinceyouthoroughly；andyoushalldoubtnomore，notevenintheintoxicationofhappiness。Listen，then。Theking，asyouknow，isabouttoholdagreattournamentandfestivalofthepoets，anditwilltakeplaceinafewdays。Now，then，atthisfeteIwillpublicly，inthepresenceofthekingandhiscourt，giveyouarosettethatIwearonmyshoulder，andinthesilverfringeofwhichyouwillfindanotefromme。Willthatsatisfyyou，myHenry？"
　　"Anddoyoustillquestionit，mydear？Doyouquestionit，whenyouwillmakemeproudandhappyaboveallothersofyourcourt？"
　　Hepressedhercloselytohisheartandkissedher。Butsuddenlyshewrithedinhisarms，andstartedupinwildalarm。
　　"Dayisbreaking，dayisbreaking！Seethere！aredstreakisspreadingovertheclouds。Thesuniscoming；dayiscoming，andalreadybeginstodawn。"
　　Heendeavoredtodetainherstill；butshetoreherselfpassionatelyaway，andagainenvelopedherheadinherveil。
　　"Yes，"saidhe，"dayisbreakinganditisgrowinglight！Letmethen，foramomentatleast，seeyourface。Mysoulthirstsforitastheparchedearthforthedew。Come，itislighthereatthewindow。Letmeseeyoureyes。"
　　Shetoreherselfvehementlyaway。"No，no，youmustbegone！Hark，itisalreadythreeo'clock。Sooneverythingwillbeastirinthecastle。Diditnotseemasifsomepersonpassedbythedoorhere？
　　Haste，haste，ifyoudonotwishmetodieofdread！"Shethrewhiscloakoverhim；shedrewhishatoverhisbrow；thenoncemoreshethrewherarmsaroundhisneckandpressedonhislipsaburningkiss。"Farewell，mybeloved！farewell，HenryHoward！Whenweseeeachotheragainto-day，youaretheEarlofSurrey，andI，thequeen——notyourlovedone——notthewomanwholovesyou！Happinessispast，andsufferingawakesanew。Farewell。"
　　Sheherselfopenedtheglassdoor，andpushedherloverout。
　　"Farewell，Geraldine；good-night，mydear！Daycomes，andIagaingreetyouasmyqueen，andIshallhavetoendureagainthetortureofyourcoldlooksandyourhaughtysmiles。"
　　CHAPTERXIX。
　　LOYOLA'SGENERAL。
　　Sherushedtothewindowandgazedafterhimtillhehaddisappeared，thensheutteredadeepcryofanguish，and，whollyovercomebyheragony，shesankdownonherkneesweepingandwailing，wringingherhands，andraisingthemtoGod。
　　Butjustbeforesohappyandjoyful，shewasnowfullofwoeandanguish；andbittersighsofcomplaintcametremblingfromherlips。
　　"Oh，oh，"moanedshe，withsobs；"whatterribleagoniesarethese，andhowfullofdespairtheanguishthatlaceratesmybreast！Ihavelaininhisarms；Ihavereceivedhisvowsofloveandacceptedhiskisses；andthesevowsarenotmine，andthesekisseshegavenottome。Hekissedme，andhelovesinmeonlyherwhomIhate。Helayshishandsinmineanduttersvowsoflovewhichhededicatestoher。
　　Hethinksandfeelsforheronly——heralone。Whataterribletorturethisis！Tobelovedunderhername；underhernametoreceivethevowsoflovethatyetbelongtomeonly——tomealone！Forhelovesme，meexclusively。Theyaremylipsthathekisses，myformthatheembraces；tomeareaddressedhiswordsandhisletters；anditisI
　　thatreplytothem。Helovesme，meonly，andyetheputsnofaithinme。Iamnothingtohim，naughtbutalifelessimage，likeotherwomen。Thishehastoldme；andIdidnotbecomefrenzied；andIhadthecruelenergytopassoffthetearswrungfrommebydespair，fortearsofrapture。Oh，detestable，horriblemockeryoffate——tobewhatIamnot，andnottobewhatIam！"
　　Andwithashrillcryofagonyshetoreherhair，andwithherfistsmoteuponherbreast，andweptandmoanedaloud。
　　Sheheardnaught；shesawnaught；shefeltnaughtbutherinexpressibleanddespairinganguish。
　　Shedidnotoncetrembleforherself；shethoughtnotatallofthis——thatshewouldbelostifshewerefoundinthisplace。
　　Andyetattheothersideoftheroomadoorhadopened，softlyandnoiselessly，andamanhadentered。
　　HeshutthedoorbehindhimandwalkeduptoLadyJane，whostilllayonthefloor。Hestoodbehindherwhilesheutteredherdespairinglamentation。Heheardeverywordofherquiveringlips；
　　herwholeheartpainfullyconvulsedandtornwithgrieflayunveiledbeforehim；andsheknewitnot。
　　Nowhebentoverher；andwithhishandhelightlytouchedhershoulder。Atthistouchshegaveaconvulsivestart，asifhitbythestrokeofasword，andhersobbingwasimmediatelysilenced。
　　Anawfulpauseensued。Thewomanlayonthefloormotionless，breathless，andnearher，tallandcoldasafigureofbronze，stoodtheman。
　　"LadyJaneDouglas，"saidhethen，sternlyandsolemnly，"standup。
　　Itbecomesnotyourfather'sdaughtertobeuponherknees，whenitisnotGodtowhomshekneels。ButyouarenotkneelingtoGod，buttoanidol，whichyouyourselfhavemade，andtowhichyouhateerectedatempleinyourheart。Thisidoliscalled'Yourownpersonalmisfortune。'Butitiswritten，'ThoushalthavenootherGodsbutme。'ThereforeIsaytoyouoncemore，LadyJaneDouglas，risefromyourknees，foritisnotyourGodtowhomyoukneel。"
　　Andasthoughthesewordsexercisedamagneticpoweroverher，sheraisedherselfupslowlyfromthefloor，andnowstoodtherebeforeherfather，sternandcoldasastatueofmarble。
　　"Castfromyouthesorrowsofthisworld，whichburdenyou，andhinderyouinthesacredworkwhichGodhasimposedonyou！"
　　continuedEarlDouglasinhismetallic，solemnvoice。"Itiswritten，'ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborandareheavyladen，andI
　　willgiveyourest，'saithourGod。Butyou，Jane，youaretothrowdownyourtroubleatthefootofthethrone；andyourburdenwillbecomeacrownthatwillglorifyyourhead。"
　　Helaidhishandonherhead，butshewildlyshookitoff。
　　"No，"criedshe，withheavy，falteringtongue，asifconfusedinadream。"Awaywiththiscrown！Iwishnocrownuponwhichdevilshavelaidaspell。Iwishnoroyalrobethathasbeendyedcrimsonwiththebloodofmybeloved。"
　　"Sheisstillinthedeliriumofheranguish，"mutteredtheearl，ashecontemplatedthepale，tremblingwomanwhohadnowsunkagaintoherknees，andwasstaringstraightbeforeherwitheyesbewilderedandstretchedwideopen。Butthelooksoftheearlremainedcoldandunmoved，andnottheleastcompassionwasarousedinhimforhispoordaughter，nowpenetratedwithanguish。
　　"Arise，"saidhe，inahard，steellyvoice。"TheChurch，bymymouth，commandsyoutoserveherasyouhavevowedtodo；thatistosay，withgladheartandasenseofyourrelianceonGod；thatistosay，withsmilinglipsandaserene，beamingeye，asbecomesadiscipleinspiredbyfaith，andasyouhavesworntodointhehandsofourlordandmaster，IgnatiusLoyola。"
　　"Icannot！Icannot！"moanedshe，inalowtone。Icannotbegladatheartwhendespair，likeawildboar，isrendingmyheart；Icannotcommandmyeyetoshinewhenmyeyesaredimmedwithtearsofanguish。Oh，havepity，havecompassion！Rememberthatyouaremyfather；thatIamyourdaughter——thedaughterofawifewhomyouloved，andwhowouldfindinthegravenorestifsheknewhowyouarerackingandtorturingme。Mymother，mymother，ifthyspiritisnearme，comeandprotectme。Letthymildlooksovershadowmyhead，andbreatheabreathofthyloveintotheheartofthiscruelfather，whoisreadytosacrificehischildonthealtarofhisGod。"
　　"Godhascalledme，"saidtheearl，"and，likeAbraham，Itoowilllearntoobey。ButIwillnotadornmyvictimwithflowers，butwitharoyalcrown。Iwillnotplungeaknifeintoherbreast，butwillputagoldensceptreintoherhandandsay:Thouartaqueenbeforemen，butbeforeGodbethouafaithfulandobedientservant。Thouhastalltocommand。ButtheholyChurch，towhoseservicethouhastconsecratedthyself，andwhowillblesstheeifthouartfaithful，whowilldashtheeinpieceswithhercurseifthoudarestdealtreacherously，shecommandsthee。No，youarenotmydaughter，butthepriestessoftheChurch，consecratedtoherholyservice。No，Ihavenosympathywithyourtear'sandthisanguish，forIseetheendofthesesorrows，andIknowthatthesetearswillbeasadiademofpearlsaboutyourtemples。LadyJaneDouglas，itisthesaintlyLoyolawhosendsyouhiscommandsbymymouth。Obeythem，notbecauseIamyourfather，butbecauseIamthegeneraltowhomyouhaveswornobedienceandfidelityuntoyourlife'send。"
　　"Thenkillme，myfather！"saidshe，feebly。"Letthislifeend，whichisbutatorture，aprotractedmartyrdom。Punishmeformydisobediencebyplungingyourdaggerdeepintomybreast。Punishme，andgrudgemenotthereposeofthegrave。"
　　"Poorenthusiast！"saidthefather；"supposeyou，wewouldbefoolishenoughtosubjectyoutosolightapunishment！No，no，ifyoudare，ininsolentdisobedience，rebelagainstmycommands，yourpenanceshallbeaterribleone，andyourpunishmentwithoutend。I
　　willnotkillyou，buthimwhomyoulove；itwillbehisheadthatfalls；andyouwillbehismurderess。Heshalldieonthescaffoldandyou——youshallliveindisgrace。"
　　"Oh，horrible！"groanedJane，assheburiedherfaceinherhands。
　　Herfathercontinued:"Silly，short-sightedchild，whothoughtshecouldplaywiththesword，anddidnotseethatsheherselfmightfeelthestrokeofthisdouble-edgedblade！YouwantedtobetheservantoftheChurch，thatyoumighttherebybecomemistressoftheworld。Youwouldacquireglory，butthisglorymustnotsingeyourheadwithitsfieryrays。Sillychild！hewhoplayswithfirewillbeconsumed。Butwepenetratedyourthoughtsandthewishofwhichyouyourselfwereunconscious。Welookedintothedepthsofyourbeing，andwhenwefoundlovethere，wemadeuseofloveforourownpurposesandyoursalvation。Whatdoyoubewail，then，andwhydoyouweep？Havewenotallowedyoutolove？Havewenotauthorizedyoutogiveyourselfentirelyuptothislove？DoyounotcallyourselfEarlSurrey'swife，thoughyoucannotnametomethepriestthatmarriedyou？LadyJane，obey，andweenvyyounotthehappinessofyourlove；daretorebelagainstus，anddisgraceandshameovertakeyou，andyoushallstandbeforealltheworlddisownedandscoffedat；youthestrumpet，that——"
　　"Stop，myfather！"criedJane，asshesprangvehementlyfromthefloor。"Desistfromyourterriblewordsifyoudonotwishmetodieofshame。Nay，Isubmit，Iobey！Youareright，Icannotdrawback。"
　　"Andwhywouldyoueither？Isitnotalifepleasantandfullofenjoyment？Isitnotraregoodfortunetoseeoursinstransfiguredtovirtue；tobeabletoaccountearthlyenjoymenttheserviceofHeaven？Andwhatdoyoubewailthen？Thathedoesnotloveyou？Nay，hedoesloveyou；hisvowsoflovestillechoinyourears；yourheartstilltrembleswiththefruitionofhappiness。WhatmattersitiftheEarlofSurreywithhisinwardeyesseesthewomanhefoldsinhisarmstobeanotherthanyou？Yetinrealityhelovesbutyoualone。WhetheryouareforhimnamedCatharineParrorJaneDouglas，itisallthesameifyouonlyarehislove。"
　　"Butadaywillcomewhenhewilldiscoverhismistake，andwhenhewillcurseme。"
　　"Thatdaywillnevercome。TheholyChurchwillfindawaytoavertthat，ifyoubowtoherwillandareobedienttoher。"
　　"Idobowtoit！"sighedJane。"Iwillobey；onlypromiseme，myfather，thatnoharmshallhappentohim；thatIshallnotbehismurderess。"
　　"No，youshallbecomehissavioranddeliverer。OnlyyoumustfulfilpunctuallytheworkIcommittoyou。Firstofall，then，tellmetheresultofyourmeetingto-day。Hedoesnotdoubtthatyouarethequeen？"
　　"No，hebelievesitsofirmlythathewouldtakethesacramentonit。Thatistosay，hebelievesitnowbecauseIhavepromisedhimtogivehimpubliclyasignbywhichhemayrecognizethatitisthequeenthatloveshim。"
　　"Andthissign？"inquiredherfather，withalookbeamingwithjoy。
　　"Ihavepromisedhimthatatthegreattournament，thequeenwillgivehimarosette，andthatinthatrosettebewillfindanotefromthequeen。"
　　"Ah，theideaisanadmirableone！"exclaimedLordDouglas，"andonlyawomanwhowishestoavengeherselfcouldconceiveit。So，then，thequeenwillbecomeherownaccuser，andherselfgiveintoourhandsaproofofherguilt。Theonlydifficultyinthewayistobringthequeen，withoutarousinghersuspicion，towearthisrosette，andtogiveittoSurrey。"
　　"ShewilldoitifIbeghertodoso，forshelovesme；andIshallsorepresentittoherthatshewilldoitasanactofkindnesstome。Catharineisgood-naturedandagreeable，andcannotrefusearequest。"
　　"AndIwillapprisethekingofit。Thatistosay，Ishalltakegoodcarenottodothismyself，foritisalwaysdangeroustoapproachahungrytigerinhiscageandcarryhimhisfood，becausehemightinhisvoracityveryreadilydevourourownhandtogetherwiththeprofferedmeat。"
　　"Buthow？"askedshewithanexpressionofalarm。"WillhecontenthimselfwithpunishingCatharinealone；willhenotalsocrushhim——
　　himwhomhemustlookuponasherlover？"
　　"Hewilldoso。Butyouyourselfshallsavehimandsethimfree。
　　Youshallopenhisprisonandgivehimfreedom，andhewillloveyou——you，thesaviorofhislife。"
　　"Father，father，itisahazardousgamethatyouareplaying；anditmayhappenthatyouwillbecometherebyyourdaughter'smurderer。
　　For，listenwelltowhatItellyou；ifhisheadfalls，Idiebymyownhands；ifyoumakemehismurderess，youbecometherebymine；
　　andIwillcurseyouandexecrateyouinhell！WhattomeisaroyalcrownifitisstainedwithHenryHoward'sblood？WhatcareIforrenownandhonor，ifheisnottheretoseemygreatness，andifhisbeamingeyesdonotreflectbacktomethelightofmycrown？
　　Protecthim，therefore；guardhislifeastheappleofyoureye，ifyouwishmetoaccepttheroyalcrownthatyouofferme，sothattheKingofEnglandmaybecomeagainavassaloftheChurch！"
　　"AndthatthewholeofdevoutChristendommaypraiseJaneDouglas，thepiousqueenwhohassucceededintheholyworkofbringingtherebelliousandrecreantsonoftheChurch，HenrytheEighth，backtotheHolyFatherinRome，totheonlyconsecratedlordoftheChurch，trulypenitent。On，on，mydaughter；donotdespond。Ahighaimbeckonsyou，andabrilliantfortuneawaitsyou！Ourholymother，theChurch，willblessandpraiseyou，andHenrytheEighthwilldeclareyouhisqueen。"
　　CHAPTERXX。
　　THEPRISONER。
　　StillallwascalmandquietinthepalaceofWhitehall。Nothingwasstirring，andnobodyhadheardhowLadyJaneDouglasleftherchamberandglideddownthecorridor。
　　Noonehasheardit，andnoeyeisawake，andnoneseeswhatisnowtakingplaceinthequeen'sroom。Sheisalone——allalone。Theservantsareallasleepintheirchambers。Thequeenherselfhasboltedthedoorsoftheanteroomontheinside，andnootherdoorleadsintoherboudoirandbedroom，exceptthroughthisanteroom。
　　Sheisthereforeperfectlysecluded，perfectlysecure。
　　Speedilyandinhastesheenvelopsherselfinalongblackmantle，thehoodofwhichshedrawswelloverherheadandbrow，andwhichcompletelycoversandconcealsherform。
　　Andnowshepressesonaspringinsertedintheframeofapicture。
　　Thepicturefliesbackandshowsanopening，throughwhichapersoncanquiteconvenientlypassout。
　　Catharinedoesso。Thenshecarefullypushesthepicturebacktoitsplacefromtheoutside，andforalongtimewalksoninthepassagehollowedoutofthesolidwall，tillgropingalongsheatlastlaysholdagainofaknobinthewall。Shepressesonit；andnowatherfeetopensatrap-door，throughwhichafeeblelightforcesitswayandrendersvisibleasmallnarrowstaircasetheresituated。
　　Catharineentersanddescendsthestepswithwingedfeet。Nowatthefootofthestaircasesheagainpressesonasecretspring；andagainadooropens，throughwhichthequeenpassesintoalargehall。
　　"Oh，"whisperedshe，fetchingalongbreath，"thegreensummerhouseatlast。"
　　Shequicklytraverseditandopenedthenextdoor。
　　"JohnHeywood？"
　　"Iamhere，queen！"
　　"Hush，hush！gentlyaspossible，thatthewatch，whowalksupanddownjustbehindthedoor，maynothearus。Come，westillhavealongwalk——letusmakehaste。"
　　Againshepressedonaspringinsertedinthewall；andagainadooropens。ButbeforeCatharineboltsthisdoor，shetakesthelampburningonthetablethere，whichistolightenthedarkanddifficultpaththroughwhichtheyarenowtowendtheirway。
　　Nowsheboltsthedoorbehindthem；andtheyenteralong，darkcorridor，attheendofwhichisfoundstillanotherstaircase，anddownwhichtheybothgo。Numberlessstepsconductthembelow；
　　graduallytheairbecomesdense，thestepsmoist。Thestillnessofthegraveisaroundthem。Nosoundoflife，nottheleastnoise，isnowperceptible。
　　Theyareinasubterraneanpassage，whichstretchesoutinlengthbeforethemfartherthantheeyecanreach。CatharineturnstoJohnHeywood；thelamplightsupherface，whichispale，butexhibitsanexpressionfirmandresolute。
　　"JohnHeywood，reflectoncemore！Iasknotwhetheryouhavecourage，forIknowthat。Ionlywishtoknowwhetheryouwillemploythiscourageforyourqueen？"
　　"No，notforthequeen，butforthenoblewomanwhohassavedmyson。"
　　"Youmustthenbemyprotectorto-dayifwemeetwithdangers。ButifitbeGod'swill，weshallencounternodangers。Letusgo。"
　　Theygovigorouslyforward，silentalltheway。Atlengththeycometoaplacewherethepassagegrowsbroader，andspreadsoutintoalittleopenchamber，onthesidewallsofwhichafewteatsareplaced。
　　"Wehavenowaccomplishedhalfofthejourney，"saidCatharine；"andherewewillrestalittle。"
　　Sheplacedthelamponthesmallmarbletableinthemiddleofthepassage，andsatdown，pointingtoJohnHeywoodtotakeaseatnearher。
　　"Iamnotthequeen，here，"saidshe；"andyouarenottheking'sfool；butIamapoorweakwoman，andyouaremyprotector。Youmay，therefore，wellhavetherighttositbyme。"
　　ButJohnshookhisheadwithasmile，andsatdownatherfeet。"St。
　　Catharine，saviorofmyson，Ilieatthyfeet，anddevoutlyreturnthankstothee。"
　　"John，areyouacquaintedwiththissubterraneanpassage？"askedthequeen。
　　Johngaveasadsmile。"Iamacquaintedwithit，queen。"
　　"Ah，youknowit？Isupposeditwasasecretofthekingandqueen。"
　　"Thenyouwillreadilyconceivethatthefoolknowsit。FortheKingofEnglandandthefoolaretwinbrothers。Yes，queen，Iknowthispassage；andIoncewendeditinanguishandtears。"
　　"What！Youyourself，JohnHeywood？"
　　"Yes，queen。AndnowIaskyou，doyouknowthehistoryofthisundergroundpassage？Youaresilent。Now，wellforyouthatyoudonotknowit。Itisalongandbloodyhistory，andifIshouldnarratetoyouthewholeofit，thenightwouldbetooshortforit。
　　Whenthispassagewasbuilt，Henrywasstillyoung，andpossessedyetaheart。Atthattime，helovednotmerelyhiswives，buthisfriendsandservantsalso——speciallyCromwell，theall-powerfulminister。HethenresidedatWhitehall，andHenryintheroyalapartmentsoftheTower。ButHenrywasalwayslongingforhisfavorite；andsoCromwellonedaysurprisedhimwiththissubterraneanpassage，theconstructionofwhichhadoccupiedahundredmenawholeyear。Ah，ah，thekingwasthenverymuchmoved，andthankedhispowerfulministerforthissurprisewithtearsandhugs。TherepassedscarcelyadaythatHenrydidnotgotoCromwellthroughthispassage。SohesaweachdayhowthepalaceofWhitehallbecamemoreandmoresplendidandglorious；andwhenhereturnedtotheTower，hediscoveredthatthisresidencewasaltogetherunworthyofaking；butthathisministerlivedbyfarmoremagnificentlythantheKingofEngland。That，queen，wasthecauseofCromwell'sfall！ThekingwantedWhitehall。TheslyCromwellnoticedit，andmadehimapresentofhisgem，thepalaceonwhoseconstructionanddecorationhehadlaboredtenyears。Henryacceptedthepresent；butnowCromwell'sfallwasirrevocable。Thekingcouldnot，ofcourse，forgiveCromwellforhavingdaredtoofferhimapresentsovaluable，thatHenrycouldnotorwouldnotrepayit。Heremained，therefore，Cromwell'sdebtor；andsincethistormentedandvexedhim，hesworeCromwell'sruin。WhenHenrymovedintoWhitehall，itwasconcludedthatCromwellmustascendthescaffold。Ah，thekingissuchaneconomicalbuilder！Apalacecostshimnothingbuttheheadofasubject。WithCromwell'sbeadbepaidforWhitehall；andWolseydiedforHamptonCourt。"
　　"Notonthescaffold，though，John。"
　　"Oh，no；Henrypreferredmerelytobreakhisheart，andnothishead。First，hehadthatwonderfulpleasure-villa，HamptonCourt，withallitstreasures，presentedhimbyWolsey；thenheremovedhimfromallhisoffices，anddeprivedhimofallhishonors。Finally，hewastogototheTowerasaprisoner；buthediedonhiswaythither。No，youareright！Wolseydidnotdieonthescaffold，hewasputtodeathmuchmoreslowlyandmorecruelly。Hewasnotkilledwiththesword，butprickedtodeathwithpins！"
　　"Didyounotsay，John，thatyouhadtravelledthiswayoncebefore？"
　　"Yes，queen，andIdidittobidfarewelltothenoblestofmen，andthetruestoffriends，ThomasMore！IbeggedandbesoughtCromwellsolongthathehadcompassiononmyanguish，andallowedmetogothroughthispassagetoThomasMore，thatImightatleastreceivetheblessingandlastkissofaffectionofthissaint。Ah，queen，speaknomoreofittome！FromthatdayIbecameafool；forIsawitwasnotworththetroubletobeanhonestman，whensuchmenasMoreareexecutedascriminals。Come，queen，letusgoon！"
　　"Yes，on，John！"saidshe，rising。"Butdoyouknowthenwhitherwearegoing？"
　　"Ah，queen，doInotthenknowyou？anddidInottellyouthatAnneAskewistobestretchedupontherackto-morrow，unlesssherecant？"
　　"Iseethatyouhaveunderstoodme，"saidshe，givinghimafriendlynod。"Yes，IamgoingtoAnneAskew。"
　　"Buthowwillyou，withoutbeingseenanddiscovered，findouthercell？"
　　"John，eventheunhappyhavefriends。Yes，thequeenherselfhasafew；andsochance，oritmaybeevenGod'swill，hassoarrangedmatters，thatAnneAskewisoccupying，justatthistime，thatsmallroominwhichthesecretpassageterminates。"
　　"Isshealoneinthatroom？"
　　"Yes，allalone。Theguardstandswithoutbeforethedoor。"
　　"Andshouldtheyhearyou，andopenthedoor？"
　　"ThenwithoutdoubtIamlost，unlessGodsupportsme。"
　　Theywalkedoninsilence，bothtoomuchoccupiedwiththeirownthoughtstointerruptthembyconversation。
　　Butthislong，extendedwalkatlengthweariedCatharine。Sheleanedexhaustedagainstthewall。
　　"Willyoudomeafavor，queen？"askedJohnHeywood。"Permitmetocarryyou。Yourlittlefeetcanbearyounofarther；makemeyourfeet，yourmajesty！"
　　Sherefusedwithafriendlysmile。"No，John，thesearethepassion-
　　stationsofasaint；andyouknowonemustmaketheroundoftheminthesweatofhisface，andonhisknees。"
　　"Oh，queen，hownobleandhowcourageousyouare！"exclaimedJohnHeywood。"Youdogoodwithoutdisplay，andyoushunnodanger，ifitavailstowardtheaccomplishmentofnoblework。"
　　"Yet，John，"saidshe，withabewitchingsmile，"Idreaddanger；andjustonthataccountIbeggedyoutoaccompanyme。Ishudderatthelong，desolateway，atthedarknessandgrave-likestillnessofthispassage。Ah，John，Ithoughttomyself，ifIcameherealone，theshadesofAnneBoleynandCatharinewouldberousedfromtheirsleepbymewhoweartheircrown；theywouldhoveraboutme，andseizemebythehandandleadmetotheirgraves，toshowmethatthereisyetroomthereformelikewise。Yousee，then，thatIamnotatallcourageous，butacowardlyandtremblingwoman。"
　　"Andnevertheless，youcame，queen。"
　　"Ireckonedonyou，JohnHeywood。Itwasmydutytoriskthispassage，tosave，perchance，thelifeofthepoorenthusiasticgirl。
　　ForitshallnotbesaidthatCatharinedesertsherfriendsinmisfortune，andthatsheshrinksbackatdanger。Iambutapoor，weakwoman，John，whocannotdefendherfriendswithweapons，and，therefore，Imustresorttoothermeans。Butsee，John，herethepathforks！Ah，myGod！Iknowitonlyfromthedescriptionthatwasgivenme，butnoonesaidanythingofthistome。John，whichwaymustwenowturn？"
　　"Thisway，queen；andhereweareattheendofourjourney。Thatpaththereleadstothetorture-chamber，thatistosay，toasmallgratedwindow，throughwhichonecanoverlookthatroom。WhenKingHenrywasinspecialgood-humor，hewouldresortwithhisfriendtothisgratingtodiverthimselfalittlewiththetorturesofthedamnedandblasphemers。Foryouwellknow，queen，onlysuchashaveblasphemedGod，orhavenotrecognizedKingHenryasthepopeoftheirChurch，havethehonoroftherackastheirclue。Buthush！
　　hereweareatthedoor，andhereisthespringthatopensit。"
　　Catharinesetherlamponthegroundandpressedthespring。
　　Thedoorturnedslowlyandnoiselesslyonitshinges，andsoftly，likeshades，thetwoentered。
　　Theynowfoundthemselvesinasmall，circularapartment，whichseemedtohavebeenoriginallyanicheformedinthewalloftheTower，ratherthanaroom。Throughanarrowgratedopeninginthewallonlyalittleairandlightpenetratedintothisdungeon，thebald，barewallsofwhichshowedthestonesofthemasonry。Therewasnochair，notableinthewholespace；onlyyonderinthatcornerontheearththeyhadheapedupsomestraw。Onthisstrawlayapale，tendercreature；thesunken，thincheeks，transparentlywhiteasalabaster；thebrowsopureandclear；theentirecountenancesopeaceful；thebare，meagrearmsthrownbackoverthehead；thehandsfoldedovertheforehead，theheadbenttoonesideinquiet，peacefulslumber；thedelicate，tenderformwrappedinalongblackdress，gentlystretchedout，andonherlipsasmile，suchasonlythehappyknow。
　　ThatwasAnneAskew，thecriminal，thecondemned——AnneAskew，whowasanatheistonlyforthis，becauseshedidnotbelieveintheking'svastelevationandgodlikeness，andwouldnotsubjectherownfreesoultothatoftheking。
　　"Shesleeps，"whisperedCatharine，deeplymored，Whollyinvoluntarilyshefoldedherhandsasshesteppedtothecouchofthesufferer，andalowprayertrembledonherlips。
　　"Sosleepthegust！"saidHeywood。"Angelscomfortthemintheirslumbers；andthebreathofGodrefreshesthem。Poorgirl；howsoon，andtheywillwrenchthesenoble，fairlimbs，andtorturetheeforthehonorofGod，andopentotonesofdistressthatmouthwhichnowsmilessopeacefully！"
　　"No，no，"saidthequeen，hastily。"Ihavecometosaveher，andGodwillassistmetodoit。Icannotspareherslumbersanylonger。I
　　mustwakeher。"
　　Shebentdownandpressedakissontheyounggirl'sforehead。
　　"Anne，awake；Iamhere！Iwillsaveyouandsetyoufree。Anne，Anne，awake！"
　　Sheslowlyraisedherlarge，brillianteyes，andnoddedasalutationtoCatharine。
　　"CatharineParr！"saidshe，withasmile。"Iexpectedonlyaletterfromyou；andhaveyoucomeyourself？"
　　"Theguardshavebeendismissed，andtheturnkeyschanged，Anne；forourcorrespondencehadbeendiscovered。"
　　"Ah，youwillwritetomenomoreinfuture！Andyetyourlettersweremyonlycomfort，"sighedAnneAskew。"Butthatalsoiswell；
　　andperhapsitwillonlymakethepaththatIhavetotreadstilleasier。Theheartmaymoveitspinionsfreelyandeasily，andreturntoGod。"
　　"Hearme，Anne，hear，"saidCatharineinalowandhurriedvoice。"A
　　terribledangerthreatensyou！Thekinghasgivenorderstomoveyou，bymeansoftherack，torecant。"
　　"Well，andwhatmore？"askedAnne，withsmilingface。
　　"Unfortunate，youknownotwhatyouaresaying！Youknownotwhatfearfulagoniesawaityou！Youknownotthepowerofpains，whichareperhapsstillmightierthanthespirit，andmayovercomeit。"
　　"AndifIdidknowthemnow，whatwoulditavailme？"askedAnneAskew。"Yousaytheywillputmetotherack。Well，then，Ishallhavetobearit，forIhavenopowertochangetheirwill。"
　　"Yet，Anne，yetyouhavethepower！Retractwhatyouhavesaid，Anne！Declarethatyourepent，andthatyouperceivethatyouhavebeendeluded！SaythatyouwillrecognizethekingaslordoftheChurch；thatyouwillsweartothesixarticles，andneverbelieveinthePopeofRome。Ah，Anne，Godseesyourheartandknowsyourthoughts。Youhavenoneedtomakethemknownbyyourlips。Hehasgivenyoulife，andyouhavenorighttothrowitaway；youmustseektokeepitsolongasyoucan。Recant，then！Itisperfectlyallowabletodeceivethosewhowouldmurderus。Recant，then，Anne，recant！Whentheyintheirhaughtyarrogancedemandofyoutosaywhattheysay，considerthemaslunatics，towhomyoumakeapparentconcessionsonlytokeepthemfromraving。OfwhatconsequenceisitwhetheryoudoordonotsaythatthekingistheheadoftheChurch？FromHisheavensabove，GodlooksdownandsmilesatthispettyearthlystrifewhichconcernsnotHim，butmenonly。Letscholarsandtheologianswrangle；wewomenhavenothingtodowithit。IfweonlybelieveinGod，andbearHimtoourhearts，theforminwhichwedoitisamatterofindifference。ButinthiscasethequestionisnotaboutGod，butmerelyaboutexternaldogmas。Whyshouldyoutroubleyourselfwiththese？Whathaveyoutodowiththecontroversiesofthepriests？Recant，then，poorenthusiasticchild，recant！"
　　WhileCatharine，inalowtoneandwithflutteringbreath，thusspoke，AnneAskewhadslowlyarisenfromhercouch，andnowstood，likealily，soslenderanddelicate，confrontingthequeen。
　　Hernoblecountenanceexpresseddeepindignation。Hereyesshotlightning，andacontemptuoussmilewasonherlips。
　　"What！Canyouthusadviseme？"saidshe。"Canyouwishmetodenymyfaith，andabjuremyGod，onlytoescapeearthlypain？Andyourtonguedoesnotrefusetoutterthis，andyourheartdoesnotshrinkwithshamewhileyoudoit？Lookatthesearms；whataretheyworththatIshouldnotsacrificethemtoGod？Seethesefeeblelimbs！AretheysopreciousthatI，likeadisgustingniggard，shouldsparethem？No，no，Godismyhighestgood——notthisfeeble，decayingbody！ForGodIsacrificeit。Ishouldrecant？Never！Faithisnotenvelopedinthisorthatgarb；itmustbenakedandopen。Somayminebe。AndifIthenamchosentobeanexampleofpurefaith，thatdeniesnot，andmakesprofession——well，then，envymenotthispreeminence。'Manyarecalled，butfewarechosen。'IfIamoneofthechosen，IthankGodforit，andblesstheerringmortalswhowishtomakemesuchbymeansofthetortureoftherack。Ah，believeme，Catharine，Irejoicetodie，foritissuchasad，desolate，anddesperatethingtolive。Letmedie，Catharine——die，toenterintoblessedness！"
　　"But，poor，pitiablechild！thisismorethandeath；itisthetortureofearththatthreatensyou。Oh，bethinkyou，Anne，thatyouareonlyafeeblewoman。Whoknowswhethertherackmaynotyetconqueryourspirit，andwhetheryou，withyourmangledlimbs，maynotbythefuryofthepainyetbebroughttothatpointthatyouwillrecantandabjureyourfaith？"
　　"IfIcoulddothat，"criedAnneAskew，withflashingeyes，"believeme，queen，assoonasIcametomysensesIwouldlayviolenthandsonmyself，inordertogivemyselfovertoeternaldamnation，asthepunishmentofmyrecantation！GodhasorderedthatIshallbeasignofthetruefaith。BeHiscommandfulfilled！"
　　"Well，then，sobeit，"saidCatharineresolutely。"Donotrecant，butsaveyourselffromyourexecutioners！I，Anne，I，willsaveyou！
　　Icannotbear——Icannotthinkofit——thatthisdearnobleformshouldbesacrificedtoaviledelusionofman；thattheywilltorturetothehonorofGodanoblelikenessofthesameGod！Oh，come，come，Iwillsaveyou！I，thequeen！Givemeyourhand。Followmeoutofthisdungeon。Iknowapaththatleadsoutofthisplace；
　　andIwillconcealyousolonginmyownapartmentsthatyoucancontinueyourflightwithoutdanger。"
　　"No，no，queen，youshallnotconcealherwithyou！"saidJohnHeywood。"Youhavebeengraciouslypleasedtoallowmetobeyourconfidant；envymenot，then，ashareinyournobleworkalso。NotwithyoushallAnneAskewfindrefuge，butwithme。Oh，come，Anne，followyourfriends。Itislifethatcallsyou，thatopensthedoorstoyou，anddesirestocallyoubyathousandnamestoitself！Doyounothearthem，allthosesweetandalluringvoices；doyounotseethem，allthosenobleandsmilingfaces，howtheygreetyouandbeckontoyou？AnneAskew，itisthenoblehusbandthatcallsyou！
　　Youknowhimnotasyet，butheiswaitingforyouthereintheworldwithout。AnneAskew，thereareyourchildren，whoarestretchingtheirtenderarmsouttoyou。Youhavenotyetbornethem；butloveholdstheminherarms，andwillbringthemtomeetyou。Itisthewifeandthemotherthattheworldyetdemandsofyou，Anne。YououghtnottoshuntheholycallingwhichGodhasgivenyou。Come，then，andfollowus——followyourqueen，whohastherighttoorderhersubject。Followthefriend，whohasswornthathewillwatchoveryouandprotectyouasafather！"
　　"Fatherinheaven，protectme！"exclaimedAnneAskew，fallingonherkneesandstretchingherhandsupward。"Fatherinheaven！theywouldtearawayThychild，andalienatemyheartfromThee！Theyareleadingmeintotemptationandalluringmewiththeirwords。Protectme，myFather；makemyeardeaf，thatImaynothearthem！GivemeasignthatIamThine；thatnoonehasanylongerpoweroverme，saveThoualone！Asign，thatThou，Father，callestme！"
　　AndasifGodhadreallyheardherprayer，aloudknockingwasnowperceivedattheouterdoor，andavoicecried:"AnneAskew，awake！
　　andholdyourselfready！ThehighchancellorandtheBishopofWinchestercometofetchyouaway！"
　　"Ah，therack！"groanedCatharine，aswithashuddersheburiedherfaceinherhands。
　　"Yes，therack！"saidAnne，withablissfulsmile。"Godcallsme！"
　　JohnHeywoodhadapproachedthequeenandimpetuouslyseizedherhand。"Youseeitisinvain，"saidhe，urgently。"Makehastethentosaveyourself！Hastentoleavethisprisonbeforethedoorthereopens。"
　　"No，"saidCatharine，firmlyandresolutely。"No，Istay。Sheshallnotsurpassmeincourageandgreatnessofsoul！ShewillnotdenyherGod；well，then，IalsowillbeawitnessofmyGod。Iwillnotinshamecastmyeyestothegroundbeforethisyounggirl；likeher，Iwillfranklyandopenlyprofessmyfaith；likeherIwillsay:'GodaloneisLordofhisChurch，'God——"
　　Therewasamovementwithout；akeywasheardtoturninthelock。
　　"Queen，Iconjureyou，"besoughtJohnHeywood，"byallthatisholytoyou，byyourlove，come，come！"
　　"No，no！"criedshe，vehemently。
　　ButnowAnneseizedherhand，andstretchingtheotherarmtowardheaven，shesaidinaloud，commandingvoice:"InthenameofGod，I
　　orderyoutoleaveme！"
　　WhileCatharinedrewbackwhollyinvoluntarily，JohnHeywoodpushedhertothesecretdoor，andurgingheroutalmostwithviolence，hedrewthedoortobehindthemboth。
　　Justasthesecretdoorhadclosed，theotherontheoppositesideopened。"Withwhomwereyouspeaking？"askedGardiner，peeringaroundtheroomwithasharplook。
　　"Withthetempter，thatwishedtoalienatemefromGod，"saidshe——
　　"withthetempter，whoattheapproachofyourfootstepswantedtofoolmyheartwithfear，andpersuademetorecant！"
　　"Youare，then，firmlyresolved？youdonotretract？"askedGardiner；andasavagejoyshoneinhispale，hardcountenance。
　　"No，Idonotrecant！"saidshe，withafacebeamingwithsmiles。
　　"Then，inthenameofGodandoftheking，Itakeyouintothetorture-chamber！"criedChancellorWriothesley，asheadvancedandlaidhisheavyhandonAnne'sshoulder。"Youwouldnothearthevoiceoflovewarningyouandcallingyou，sowewillnowtrytoarouseyoufromyourmadnessbythevoiceofwrathanddamnation。"
　　Hebeckonedtotheattendantsontherack，whostoodbehindhimintheopendoor，andorderedthemtoseizeherandcarryhertothetorture-chamber。
　　Anne，smiling，turnedthemback。"Nay，notso！"saidshe。"TheSaviourwentonfoot，andboreHiscrosstotheplaceofexecution。
　　IwilltreadHispath。Showmetheway，Ifollowyou。Butletnoonedaretouchme。Iwillshowyouthatnotbyconstraint，butgladlyandfreely，Itreadthepathofsuffering，whichIshallendureforthesakeofmyGod。Rejoice，ohmysoul！——sing，mylips！forthebridegroomisnear，andthefeastisabouttobegin。"
　　AndinexultanttonesAnneAskewbegantosingahymn，thathadnotdiedawaywhensheenteredthetorture-chamber。
　　CHAPTERXXI。
　　PRINCESSELIZABETH。
　　Thekingsleeps。Lethimsleep！Heisoldandinfirm，andGodhasseverelypunishedtherestlesstyrantwithavacillating，ever-
　　disquieted，never-satisfiedspirit，whileHeboundhisbodyandmadethespiritprisonerofthebody；whileHemadetheambitiousking，strugglingfortheinfinite，aslavetohisownflesh。Howhighsoeverhisthoughtssoar，stillthekingremainsaclumsy，confined，powerlesschildofhumanity；howmuchsoeverhisconscienceharasseshimwithdisquietanddread，yethemustbecalmandendureit。Hecannotrunawayfromhisconscience；Godhasfetteredhimbytheflesh。Thekingissleeping！Butthequeenisnot；andJaneDouglasisnot；neitheristhePrincessElizabeth。Shehaswatchedwithheartbeatinghigh。Sheisrestless，and，pacingherroomupanddowninstrangeconfusion，waitedforthehourthatshehadappointedforthemeeting。Nowthehourhadarrived。Aglowingcrimsonoverspreadthefaceoftheyoungprincess；andherhandtrembledasshetookthelightandopenedthesecretdoortothecorridor。Shestoodstillforamoment，hesitating；then，ashamedofherirresolution，shecrossedthecorridorandascendedthesmallstaircasewhichledtothetower-chamber。Withahastymovementshepushedopenthedoorandenteredthesmallslipthatwasattheendofherjourney，andThomasSeymourwasalreadythere。
　　Asshesawhim，aninvoluntarytrepidationcameoverher，andforthefirsttimeshenowbecameconsciousofherhazardousstep。
　　AsSeymour，theardentyoungman，approachedherwithapassionatesalutation，shesteppedshylybackandpushedawayhishand。
　　"How！youwillnotallowmetokissyourhand？"askedhe，andshethoughtsheobservedonhisfaceaslight，scornfulsmile。"Youmakemethehappiestofmortalsbyinvitingmetothisinterview，andnowyoustandbeforemerigidandcold，andIamnotoncepermittedtoclaspyouinmyarms，Elizabeth！"
　　Elizabeth！Hehadcalledherbyherfirstnamewithoutherhavinggivenhimpermissiontodoso。Thatoffendedher。Inthemidstofherconfusion，thatarousedtheprideoftheprincess，andmadeherawarehowmuchshemusthaveforgottenherowndignity，whenanothercouldbesoforgetfulofit。
　　Shewishedtoregainit。Atthismomentshewouldhavegivenayearofherlifeifshehadnottakenthisstep——ifshehadnotinvitedtheearltothismeeting。
　　Shewantedtotryandregaininhiseyesherlostposition，andagaintobecometohimtheprincess。
　　Prideinherwasstillmightierthanlove。Shemeantherlovershouldatthesametimebowbeforeherasherfavoredservant。
　　Thereforeshegravelysaid:"EarlThomasSeymour，youhaveoftenbeggedusforaprivateconversation；wenowgrantittoyou。Speak，then！whatmatterofimportancehaveyoutobringbeforeus？"
　　Andwithanairofgravityshesteppedtoaneasy-chair，onwhichsheseatedherselfslowlyandsolemnlylikeaqueen，whogivesaudiencetohervassals。
　　Poor，innocentchild，thatinherunconscioustrepidationwishedtointrenchherselfbehindhergrandeur，asbehindashield，whichmightconcealhermaidenlyfearandgirlishanxiety！
　　ThomasSeymour，however，divinedherthoughts；andhisproudandcoldheartrevoltedagainstthischild'sattempttodefyhim。
　　Hewantedtohumbleher；hewishedtocompelhertobowbeforehim，andimplorehisloveasagraciousgift。
　　Hethereforebowedlowtotheprincess，andrespectfullysaid:"Yourhighness，itistrueIhaveoftenbesoughtyouforanaudience；butyouhavesolongrefusedme，thatatlastIcouldnolongersummonupcouragetosolicitit；andIletmywishbesilentandmyheartdumb。Thereforeseeknotnow，whenthesepainshavebeensubdued，toexcitethemagain。Myheartshouldremaindead，mylipsmute。Youhavesowilled；andIhavesubmittedtoyourwill。Farewell，then，princess，andmayyourdaysbehappierandmoreserenethanthoseofpoorThomasSeymour！"
　　Hebowedlowbeforeher，andthenwentslowlytothedoor。Hehadalreadyopeneditandwasabouttostepout，whenahandwassuddenlylaidonhisshoulderanddrewhimwithvehementimpetuositybackintotheroom。
　　"Doyouwanttogo？"askedElizabeth，withflutteringbreathandtremblingvoice。"Youwanttoleaveme，and，floutingme，youwantnow，itmaybe，togototheDuchessofRichmond，yourmistress，andrelatetoherwithasneerthatthePrincessElizabethgrantedyouaninterview，andthatyouhavefloutedher？"
　　"TheDuchessofRichmondisnotmymistress，"saidtheearl，earnestly。
　　"No，notyourmistress；butshewillverysoonbeyourwife！"
　　"Shewillneverbemywife！"
　　"Andwhynot？"
　　"BecauseIdonotloveher，princess。"
　　AbeamofdelightpassedoverElizabeth'spale，agitatedface。"Whydoyoucallmeprincess？"askedshe。
　　"Becauseyouhavecomeasaprincesstofavoryourpoorservantwithanaudience。But，ah，itwouldbegreatlyabusingyourprincelygracedidIwanttoprotractthisaudiencestillfurther。I
　　thereforeretire，princess。"
　　Andagainheapproachedthedoor。ButElizabethrushedafterhim，and，layingholdofhisarmswithbothherhands，shewildlypushedhimback。
　　Hereyesshotlightning；herlipstrembled；apassionatewarmthwasmanifestedinherwholebeing。Nowshewasthetruedaughterofherfather，inconsiderateandpassionateinherwrath，destroyinginherferocity。
　　"Youshallnotgo，"mutteredshe，withherteethfirmlyset。"Iwillnotletyougo！Iwillnotletyouconfrontmeanylongerwiththatcold，smilingface。Scoldme；castonmethebitterestreproaches，becauseIhavedaredtobraveyousolong；curseme，ifyoucan！
　　Anythingbutthissmilingcalmness。Itkillsme；itpiercesmyheartlikeadagger。ForyouseewellenoughthatIhavenolongerthepowertowithstandyou；youseewellenoughthatIloveyou。Yes，I
　　loveyoutoecstasyandtodesperation；withdesireanddread。I
　　loveyouasmydemonandmyangel。Iamangry，becauseyouhavesoentirelycrushedtheprideofmyheart。Icurseyou，becauseyouhavemademesoentirelyyourslave；andthenextmomentIfallonmykneesandbeseechGodtoforgivemethiscrimeagainstyou。I
　　loveyou，Isay——notasthosesoft，gentle-heartedwomenlove，withasmileonthelip；butwithmadnessanddesperation，withjealousyandwrath。IloveyouasmyfatherlovedAnneBoleyn，whom，inthehatredofhisloveandthecruelwrathofhisjealousy，hemadetomountthescaffold，becausehehadbeentoldthatshewasuntruetohim。Ah，hadIthepower，Iwoulddoasmyfatherdid；Iwouldmurderyou，ifyoushoulddareevertoceasetoloveme。Andnow，ThomasSeymour，nowsaywhetheryouhavethecouragetodesiretoleaveme？"
　　Shelookedbewitchinginthenamingmightofherpassion；shewassoyoung，soardent；andThomasSeymourwassoambitious！InhiseyesElizabethwasnotmerelythebeautiful，charmingmaiden，wholovedhim:shewasmorethanthat:shewasthedaughterofHenrytheEighth，thePrincessofEngland，perchancesomedaytheheiressofthethrone。Itistrue，herfatherhaddisinheritedher，andbyactofParliamentdeclaredherunworthyofsucceedingtothethrone。[Footnote:Burnet，vol。i，p。138]ButHenry'svacillatingmindmightchange，andthedisownedprincessmightonedaybecomequeen。
　　TheearlthoughtofthisashegazedonElizabeth——ashesawherbeforehim，socharming，soyoung，andsoglowingwithpassion。Hethoughtofitashenowclaspedherinhisarms，andpressedonherlipsaburningkiss。
　　"No，Iwillnotgo，"whisperedhe。"Iwillnevermoredepartfromyourside，ifyoudonotwishmetogo。Iamyours！——yourslave，yourvassal；andIwillneverbeanythingelsebutthisalone。Theymaybetrayme；yourfathermaypunishmeforhightreason；yetwillIexultinmygoodfortune，forElizabethlovesme，anditwillbeforElizabeththatIdie！"
　　"Youshallnotdie！"criedshe，clingingfasttohim。"Youshalllive，liveatmyside，proud，great，andhappy！Youshallbemylordandmymaster；andifIameverqueen，andIfeelhereinmyheartthatImustbecomeso，thenwillThomasSeymourbeKingofEngland。"
　　"Thatistosay，inthequietandsecrecyofyourchamberIshouldperhapsbeso！"saidhewithasigh。"Buttherewithout，beforetheworld，Ishallstillbeeveronlyaservant；andatthebest，I
　　shallbecalledthefavorite。"
　　"Never，never，thatIsweartoyou！SaidInotthatIlovedyou？"
　　"Buttheloveofawomanissochangeable！WhoknowshowlongitwillbebeforeyonwilltreadunderyourfeetpoorThomasSeymour，whenoncethecrownhasadornedyourbrow。"
　　Shelookedathimwell-nighhorrified。"Canthisbe，then？Isitpossiblethatonecanforgetandforsakewhatheonceloved？"
　　"Doyouask，Elizabeth？Hasnotyourfatheralreadyhissixthwife？"
　　"Itistrue，"saidshe，asmournfullyshedroppedherheaduponherbreast。"ButI，"saidshe，afterapause，"Ishallnotbelikemyfatherinthat。Ishallloveyoueternally！Andthatyoumayhaveaguarantyofmyfaithfulness，Ioffermyselftoyouasyourwife。"
　　Astonished，helookedinquiringlyintoherexcited，glowingface！Hedidnotunderstandher。
　　Butshecontinued，passionately:"Yes，youshallbemylordandmyhusband！Come，mybeloved，come！Ihavenotcalledyoutotakeuponyourselfthedisgracefulroleofthesecretloverofaprincess——I
　　havecalledyoutobemyhusband。Iwishabondtouniteustwo，thatissoindissolublethatnoteventhewrathandwillofmyfather，butonlydeathitself，canseverit。Iwillgiveyouproofofmyloveandmydevotion；andyoushallbeforcedtoacknowledgethatItrulyloveyou。Come，mybeloved，thatImaysoonhailyouasmyhusband！"
　　Helookedatherasthoughpetrified。"Whitherwillyouleadme？"
　　"Totheprivatechapel，"saidshe，innocently。"IhavewrittenCranmertoawaitmethereatdaybreak。Letushasten，then！"
　　"Cranmer！Youhavewrittentothearchbishop？"criedSeymour，amazed。"How！whatsayyou？Cranmerawaitsusintheprivatechapel？"
　　"Withoutdoubtheiswaitingforus，asIhavewrittenhimtodoso。"
　　"Andwhatishetodo？Whatdoyouwantofhim？"
　　Shelookedathiminastonishment。"WhatdoIwantofhim？Why，thathemaymarryus！"
　　Theearlstaggeredbackasifstunned。"Andhaveyouwrittenhimthatalso？"
　　"Nay，indeed，"saidshe，withacharming，childlikesmile。"Iknowverywellthatitisdangeroustotrustsuchsecretstopaper。I
　　haveonlywrittenhimtocomeinhisofficialrobes，becauseIhaveanimportantsecrettoconfesstohim。"
　　"Oh，Godhepraised！Wearenotlost，"sighedSeymour。
　　"Buthow，Idonotunderstandyou？"askedshe。"Youdonotextendmeyourhand！Youdonothastentoconductmetothechapel！"
　　"Tellme，Iconjureyou，tellmeonlythisonething:haveyoueverspokentothearchbishopofyour——no——ofourlove？Haveyoueverbetrayedtohimsomuch，asasyllableofthatwhichstirsourhearts？"
　　Sheblusheddeeplybeneaththesteadygazewhichhefixedonher。
　　"Upbraidme，Seymour，"whisperedshe。"Butmyheartwasweakandtimorous；andasoftenasItriedtofulfiltheholyduty，andconfesseverythinghonestlyandfranklytothearchbishop，Icouldnotdoit！Theworddiedonmylips；anditwasasthoughaninvisiblepowerparalyzedmytongue。"
　　"So，then，Cranmerknowsnothing？"
　　"No，Seymour，heknowsnothingasyet。Butnowheshalllearnall；
　　nowwewillgobeforehimandtellhimthatweloveeachother，andconstrainhim，byourprayers，toblessourunion，andjoinourhands。"
　　"Impossible！"criedSeymour。"Thatcanneverbe！"
　　"How！Whatdoyousay？"askedsheinastonishment。
　　"IsaythatCranmerwillneverbesoinsane，nay，socriminal，astofulfilyourwish。Isaythatyoucanneverbemywife。"
　　Shelookedhimfullandsquareintheface。"Haveyounotthentoldmethatyoulovedme？"askedshe。"HaveInotsworntoyouthatI
　　lovedyouinreturn？Mustwethennotbemarried，inordertosanctifytheunionofourhearts？"
　　Seymoursankhiseyestothegroundbeforeherpureinnocentlook，andblushedforshame。Shedidnotunderstandthisblush；becausehewassilent，shedeemedhimconvinced。
　　"Come，"saidshe，"come；Cranmeriswaitingforus！"
　　Heagainraisedhiseyesandlookedatherinamazement，"Doyounotsee，then，thisisallonlyadreamthatcanneverbecomereality？
　　Doyounotfeelthatthispreciousfantasyofyourgreatandnobleheartwillneverberealized？How！areyouthensolittleacquaintedwithyourfatherasnottoknowthathewoulddestroyusbothifweshoulddaretosetatnaughthispaternalandhisroyalauthority？
　　Yourbirthwouldnotsecureyoufromhisdestroyingfury，foryouwellknowheisunyieldingandrecklessinhiswrath；andthevoiceofconsanguinitysoundsnotsoloudinhimthatitwouldnotbedrownedbythethunderofhiswrath。Poorchild，youhavelearnedthatalready！Rememberwithwhatcrueltyhehasalreadyrevengedhimselfonyouforthepretendedfaultofyourmother；howhetransferredtoyouhiswrathagainsther。RememberthatherefusedyourhandtotheDauphinofFrance，notforthesakeofyourhappiness，butbecausehesaidyouwerenotworthyofsoexaltedaposition。AnneBoleyn'sbastardcouldneverbecomeQueenofFrance。
　　Andaftersuchaproofofhiscruelwrathagainstyou，willyoudarecastinhisfacethisterribleinsult？——compelhimtorecognizeasubject，aservant，ashisson？"
　　"Oh，thisservantis，however，thebrotherofaQueenofEngland！"
　　saidshe，shyly。"MyfatherlovedJaneSeymourtoowarmlynottoforgiveherbrother。"
　　"Ah，ah，youdonotknowyourfather！Hehasnoheartforthepast；
　　or，ifhehas，itisonlytotakevengeanceforaninjuryorafault，butnottorewardlove。KingHenrywouldbecapableofsentencingAnneBoleyn'sdaughtertodeath，andofsendingtotheblockandrackCatharineHoward'sbrothers，becausethesetwoqueensoncegrievedhimandwoundedhisheart；buthewouldnotforgivemetheleastoffenceonaccountofmybeingthebrotherofaqueenwholovedhimfaithfullyandtenderlytillherdeath。ButIspeaknotofmyself。Iamawarrior，andhavetoooftenlookeddeathinthefacetofearhimnow。Ispeakonlyofyou，Elizabeth。Youhavenorighttoperishthus。Thisnobleheadmustnotbelaidupontheblock。Itisdestinedtoweararoyalcrown。Afortunestillhigherthanloveawaitsyou——fameandpower！Imustnotdrawyouawayfromthisproudfuture。ThePrincessElizabeth，thoughabusedanddisowned，mayyetonedaymountthethroneofEngland。TheCountessSeymournever！shedisinheritsherself！Follow，then，yourhighdestiny。EarlSeymourretiresbeforeathrone。"
　　"Thatistosay，youdisdainedme？"askedshe，angrilystampingthefloorwithherfoot。"Thatistosay，theproudEarlSeymourholdsthebastardtoobaseforhiscoronet！Thatistosay，youlovemenot！"
　　"No，itmeansthatIloveyoumorethanmyself——betterandmorepurelythananyothermancanloveyou；forthisloveissogreatthatitmakesmyselfishnessandmyambitionsilent，andallowsmetothinkonlyofyouandyourfuture。"
　　"Ah，"sighedshe，mournfully。，"ifyoureallylovedme，youwouldnotconsider——youwouldnotseethedanger，norfeardeath。Youwouldthinkofnothing，andknownothing，savelove。"
　　"BecauseIthinkoflove，Ithinkofyou，"saidSeymour。"Ithinkthatyouaretomovealongovertheworld，great，powerful，andglorious，andthatIwilllendyoumyarmforthis。Ithinkofthis，thatmyqueenofthefutureneedsageneralwhowillwinvictoriesforher，andthatIwillbethatgeneral。Butwhenthisgoalisreached——whenyouarequeen——thenyouhavethepowerfromoneofyoursubjectstomakeahusband；thenitrestswithyourownwilltoelevatemetobetheproudest，thehappiest，andthemostenviableofallmen。Extendmeyourhand，then，andIwillthankandpraiseGodthatheissogracioustome；andmywholeexistencewillbespentintheefforttogiveyouthehappinessthatyouaresowellentitledtodemand。"
　　"Anduntilthen？"askedshe，mournfully。
　　"Untilthen，wewillbeconstant，andloveeachother！"criedhe，ashegentlypressedherinhisarms。Shegentlyrepelledhim。"Willyoualsobetruetometillthen？"
　　"Truetilldeath！"
　　"TheyhavetoldmethatyouwouldmarrytheDuchessofRichmond，inordertherebytoatlengthputanendtotheancienthatredbetweentheHowardsandSeymours。"
　　ThomasSeymourfrowned，andhiscountenancegrewdark。"Believeme，thishatredisinvincible，"saidhe；"andnomatrimonialalliancecouldwashitaway。Itisaninheritancefrommanyyearsinourfamilies；andIamfirmlyresolvednottorenouncemyinheritance。I
　　shalljustaslittlemarrytheDuchessofRichmond，asHenryHowardwillmysister，theCountessofShrewsbury。"
　　"Swearthattome！Sweartome，thatyousaythetruth，andthatthishaughtyandcoquettishduchessshallneverbeyourwife。Swearittome，byallthatissacredtoyou！"
　　"Iswearitbymylove！"exclaimedThomasSeymour，solemnly。
　　"Ishallthenatleasthaveonesorrowtheless，"sighedElizabeth。
　　"Ishallhavenooccasiontobejealous。Andisitnottrue，"shethensaid，"isitnottrueweshalloftenseeeachother？Wewillbothkeepthissecretofthistowerfaithfullyandsacredly；andafterdaysfullofprivationanddisappointment，wewillherekeepfestivalthenightsfullofblissfulpleasureandsweettransport。
　　Butwhydoyousmile，Seymour？"
　　"Ismile，becauseyouarepureandinnocentasanangel，"saidhe，ashereverentlykissedherhand。"Ismile，becauseyouareanexalted，godlikechild，whomoneoughttoadoreuponhisknees，andtowhomoneoughttopray，astothechastegoddessVesta！Yes，mydear，belovedchild，herewewill，asyousay，passnightsfullofblissfulpleasure；andmayIbereprobateanddamned，ifIshouldeverbecapableofbetrayingthissweet，guilelessconfidencewithwhichyoufavorme，andsullyyourangelpurity！"
　　"Ah，wewillbeveryhappy，Seymour！"saidshe，smiling。"Ilackonlyonething——afriend，towhomIcantellmyhappiness，towhomI
　　canspeakofyou。Oh，itoftenseemstomeasifthislove，whichmustalwaysbeconcealed，alwaysshutup，mustatlastburstmybreast；asifthissecretmustwithviolencebreakapassage，androarlikeatempestoverthewholeworld。Seymour，Iwantaconfidanteofmyhappinessandmylove。"
　　"Guardyourselfwellagainstdesiringtoseeksuchaone！"exclaimedSeymour，anxiously。"Asecretthatthreeknow，isasecretnomore；
　　andonedayyourconfidantewillbetrayus。"
　　"Notso；Iknowawomanwhowouldbeincapableofthat——awomanwholovesmewellenoughtokeepmysecretasfaithfullyasImyself；awomanwhocouldbemorethanmerelyaconfidante，whocouldbetheprotectressofourlove。Oh，believeme，ifwecouldgainhertoourside，thenourfuturewouldbeahappyandablessedone，andwemighteasilysucceedinobtainingtheking'sconsenttoourmarriage。"