"See，itisatthesametimetastefulandrich，foradiamondclaspconfinesitinthemiddle。Willyouallowmetofastenthisrosetteonyourshoulder，andwillyougiveittotheEarlofSurrey？"
　　"Yes，Jane，Iwillgiveittohim，becauseyouwishit。But，poorJane，whatdo，yougainbymydoingit？"
　　"Atanyrate，afriendlysmile，queen。"
　　"Andisthatenoughforyou？Doyoulovehimsomuch，then？"
　　"Yes，Ilovehim！"saidJaneDouglas，withasighofpain，asshefastenedtherosetteonthequeen'sshoulder。
　　"Andnow，Jane，goandannouncetothemasterofceremoniesthatI
　　amready，assoonasthekingwishesit，toresorttothegallery。"
　　LadyJaneturnedtoleavethechamber。But，alreadyuponthethreshold，shereturnedoncemore。
　　"Forgiveme，queen，forventuringtomakeonemorerequestofyou。
　　Youhave，however，justshownyourselftoomuchthenobleandtruefriendofearlierdaysformenottoventureonemorerequest。"
　　"Now，whatisit，poorJane？"
　　"Ihaveintrustedmysecretnottothequeen，buttoCatharineParr，thefriendofmyyouth。Willshekeepit，andbetraytononemydisgraceandhumiliation？"
　　"Mywordforthat，Jane。NobodybutGodandourselvesshalleverknowwhatwehavespoken。"
　　LadyJanehumblykissedherhandandmurmuredafewwordsofthanks；
　　thensheleftthequeen'sroomtogoinquestofthemasterofceremonies。
　　Inthequeen'santeroomshestoppedamoment，andleanedagainstthewall，exhausted，andasitwerecrushed。Nobodywasherewhocouldobserveandlistentoher。Shehadnoneedtosmile，noneedtoconceal，beneathacalmandequableappearance，allthosetempestuousanddespairingfeelingswhichwereworkingwithin。Shecouldallowherhatredandherresentment，herrageandherdespair，topourforthinwordsandgestures，intearsandimprecations，insobsandsighs。ShecouldfallonherkneesandbeseechGodforgraceandmercy，andcallonthedevilforrevengeanddestruction。
　　Whenshehadsodone，shearose，andherdemeanorresumeditswontedcoldandcalmexpression。Onlyhercheekswerestillpaler；onlyastillgloomierfiredartedfromhereyes，andascornfulsmileplayedaboutherthin，compressedlips。
　　Shetraversedtheroomsandcorridors，andnowsheenteredtheking'santeroom。AssheobservedGardiner，whowasstandingaloneandseparatedfromtherestintheembrasureofthewindow，shewentuptohim；andJohnHeywood，whowasstillhiddenbehindthecurtain，shudderedatthefrightfulandscornfulexpressionofherfeatures。
　　Sheofferedthebishopherhand，andtriedtosmile。"Itisdone"
　　saidshe，almostinaudibly。
　　"What！Thequeenwearstherosette？"askedGardinervivaciously。
　　"Shewearstherosette，andwillgiveittohim。"
　　"Andthenoteisinit？"
　　"Itisconcealedunderthediamondclasp。"
　　"Oh，thensheislost！"mutteredGardiner。"Ifthekingfindsthispaper，Catharine'sdeath-warrantissigned。"
　　"Hush！"saidLadyJane。"See！LordHertfordiscomingtowardus。Letusgotomeethim。"
　　Theybothleftthewindowandwalkedoutintothehall。
　　JohnHeywoodimmediatelyslippedfrombehindthecurtain，and，softlyglidingalongbythewall，leftthehallperceivedbynoone。
　　Outside，hestoppedandreflected。
　　"Imustseethisconspiracytothebottom，"saidhetohimself。"I
　　mustfindoutthroughwhomandbywhattheywishtodestroyher；andImusthavesureandundeniableproofinmyhands，inordertobeabletoconvictthem，andsuccessfullyaccusethemtotheking。
　　Thereforeitisnecessarytobecautiousandprudent。Soletusconsiderwhattodo。Thesimplestthingwouldbetobegthequeennottoweartherosette。Butthatisonlytodemolishthewebforthistime，without，however，beingabletokillthespiderthatwoveit。Soshemustweartherosette；forbesides，withoutthatIshouldneverbeableeithertofindouttowhomsheistogiveit。Butthepaperthatisconcealedintherosette——thatImusthave——thatmustnotbeinit。'Ifthekingfindsthispaper。Catharine'sdeath-
　　warrantissigned。'Now，myreverendpriestofthedevil，thekingwillnotfindthatpaper，forJohnHeywoodwillnothaveitso。ButhowshallIbegin？ShallItellthequeenwhatIheard？No！Shewouldlosehercheerfulspiritandbecomeembarrassed，andtheembarrassmentwouldbeintheking'seyesthemostconvincingproofofherguilt。No，Imusttakethispaperoutoftherosettewithoutthequeen'sbeingawareofit。Boldlytowork，then！Imusthavethispaper，andtweakthesehypocritesbythenose。Howitcanbedone，itisnotcleartomeyet；butIwilldoit——thatisenough。
　　Halloo，forwardtothequeen！"
　　Withprecipitanthasteheranthroughthehallsandcorridors，whilewithasmilehemutteredawaytohimself:"ThankGod，Ienjoythehonorofbeingthefool；foronlythekingandthefoolhavetheprivilegeofbeingabletoenterunannouncedeveryroom，eventhequeen's。"
　　Catharinewasaloneinherboudoir，whenthesmalldoor，throughwhichthekingwasaccustomedtoresorttoher，wassoftlyopened。
　　"Oh，thekingiscoming！"saidshe，walkingtothedoortogreetherhusband。
　　"Yes，thekingiscoming，forthefoolisalreadyhere，"saidJohnHeywood，whoenteredthroughtheprivatedoor。"Arewealone，queen？
　　Doesnobodyoverhearus？"
　　"No，JohnHeywood，weareallalone。Whatdoyoubringme？"
　　"Aletter，queen。"
　　"Fromwhom？"askedshe，andaglowingcrimsonflittedoverhercheek。
　　"Fromwhom？"repeatedJohnHeywood，withawaggishsmile。"Idonotknow，queen；butatanyrateitisabeggingletter；andwithoutdoubtyouwoulddowellnottoreaditatall；forIbetyou，theshamelesswriterofthisletterdemandsofyousomeimpossibility——
　　itmaybeasmile，orapressureofthehand，alockofyourhair，orperchanceevenakiss。So，queen，donotreadthebeggingletteratall。"
　　"John，"saidshe，smiling，andyettremblingwithimpatience，"John，givemetheletter。"
　　"Iwillsellittoyou，queen。Ihavelearnedthatfromtheking，wholikewisegivesnothingawaygenerously，withouttakinginreturnmorethanhegives。Soletustrade。Igiveyoutheletter；yougivemetherosettewhichyouwearonyourshoulderthere。"
　　"Nay，indeed，John；choosesomethingelse——Icannotgiveyoutherosette。"
　　"Andbythegodsbeitsworn！"exclaimedJohn，withcomicpathos，"I
　　giveyounottheletter，ifyoudonotgivemetherosette。"
　　"Sillyloon，"saidthequeen，"ItellyouIcannot！Choosesomethingelse，John；andIconjureyou，dearJohn，givemetheletter。"
　　"Thenonly，whenyougivemetherosette。Ihaveswornitbythegods，andwhatIvowtothem，thatIstickto！No，no，queen——notthosesullenairs，notthatangryfrown。ForifIcannotinearnestreceivetherosetteasapresent，thenletusdoliketheJesuitsandpapists，whoeventradewiththedearGod，andsnaptheirfingersatHim。Imustkeepmyoath！Igiveyoutheletter，andyougivemetherosette；butlisten——youonlylendittome；andwhenI
　　haveitinmyhandamoment，Iamgenerousandbountiful，liketheking，andImakeyouapresentofyourownproperty。"
　　Withaquickmotionthequeentoretherosettefromhershoulder，andhandedittoJohnHeywood。
　　"Nowgivemetheletter，John。"
　　"Hereitis，"saidJohnHeywoodashereceivedtherosette。"Takeit；andyouwillseethatThomasSeymourismybrother。"
　　"Yourbrother？"askedCatharinewithasmile，aswithtremblinghandshebroketheseal。
　　"Yes，mybrother，forheisafool！Ah，Ihaveagreatmanybrothers。Thefamilyoffoolsissoverylarge！"
　　Thequeennolongerheard。Shewasreadingtheletterofherlover。
　　Shehadeyesonlyforthoselines，thattoldherthatThomasSeymourlovedher，adoredher，andwaspiningawaywithlongingafterher。
　　ShedidnotseehowJohnHeywood，withnimblehand，unfastenedthediamondclaspfromtherosette，andtookoutofitthelittlepaperthatwasconcealedinthefoldsoftheribbon。
　　"Sheissaved！"murmuredhe，whilehethrustthefatalpaperintohisdoublet，andfastenedtheclaspagainwiththepin。"Sheissaved，andthekingwillnotsignherdeath-warrantthistime。"
　　Catharinehadreadthelettertotheend，andhiditinherbosom。
　　"Queen，youhavesworntoburnupeveryletterthatIbringyoufromhim；for，forbiddenlove-lettersaredangerousthings。Onedaytheymayfindatongueandtestifyagainstyou！Queen，Iwillnotbringyouagainanotherletter，ifyoudonotfirstburnthatone。"
　　"John，IwillburnitupwhenonceIhavereallyreadit。JustnowI
　　readitonlywithmyheart，notwithmyeyes。Allowme，then，towearitonmyheartafewhoursmore。"
　　"Doyousweartomethatyouwillburnitupthisveryday？"
　　"Iswearit。"
　　"ThenIwillbesatisfiedthistime。Hereisyourrosette；andlikethefamousfoxinthefable，thatpronouncedthegrapessourbecausehecouldnotgetthem，Isay，takeyourrosetteback；Iwillhavenoneofit。"
　　Hehandedthequeentherosette，andshesmilinglyfasteneditonhershoulderagain。
　　"John，"saidshe，withabewitchingsmile，extendingherhandtohim，"John，whenwillyouatlengthpermitmetothankyouotherwisethanwithwords？Whenwillyouatlengthallowyourqueentorewardyouforallthisserviceoflove，otherwisethanwithwords？"
　　JohnHeywoodkissedherhand，andsaidmournfully:"Iwilldemandarewardofyouonthedaywhenmytearsandmyprayerssucceedinpersuadingyoutorenouncethiswretchedanddangerouslove。OnthatdayIshallhavereallydeservedareward，andIwillacceptitfromyouwithaproudheart。"
　　"PoorJohn！So，then，youwillneverreceiveyourreward；forthatdaywillnevercome！"
　　"So，then，Ishallprobablyreceivemyreward，butfromtheking；
　　anditwillbearewardwherebyoneloseshearingandsight，andheadtoboot。Well，weshallsee！Tillthen，farewell，queen！Imusttotheking；forsomebodymightsurprisemehere，andcometotheshrewdconclusionthatJohnHeywoodisnotalwaysafool，butsometimesalsothemessengeroflove！Ikissthehemofyourgarment；farewell，queen！"
　　Heglidedagainthroughtheprivatedoor。
　　"Nowwewillatonceexaminethispaper，"saidhe，ashereachedthecorridorandwassureofbeingseenbynoone。
　　Hedrewthepaperoutofhisdoubletandopenedit。"Idonotknowthehand-writing，"mutteredher，"butitwasawomanthatwroteit。"
　　"Theletterread:"Doyoubelievemenow，mybeloved？Isworetodelivertoyouto-day，inthepresenceofthekingandallofmycourt，thisrosette；andIhavedoneso。ForyouIgladlyriskmylife，foryouaremylife；andstillmorebeautifulwereittodiewithyou，thantolivewithoutyou。IliveonlywhenIrestinyourarms；andthosedarknights，whenyoucanbewithme，arethelightandsunshineofmydays。LetusprayHeavenadarknightmaysooncome；forsuchanightrestorestomethelovedone，andtoyou，yourhappywife，Geraldine。"
　　"Geraldine！whoisGeraldine？"mutteredJohnHeywood，slippingthepaperintohisdoubletagain。"Imustdisentanglethisweboflyinganddeceit。Imustknowwhatallthismeans。Forthisismorethanaconspiracy——afalseaccusation。Itconcerns，asitseems，areality。
　　Thisletterthequeenistogivetoaman；andinit，sweetrecollections，happynights，arespokenof。SohewhoreceivesthisletterisinleaguewiththemagainstCatharine，andIdaresayherworstenemy，forhemakesuseofloveagainsther。Sometreacheryorknaveryisconcealedbehindthis。Eitherthemantowhomthisletterisaddressedisdeceived——andheisunintentionallyatoolinthehandsofthepapists——orheisinleaguewiththem，andhasgivenhimselfuptothevillainyofplayingthepartofalovertothequeen。Butwhocanhebe？Perchance，ThomasSeymour。Itwerepossible；forhehasacoldanddeceitfulheart，andhewouldbecapableofsuchtreachery。Butwoebetohimifitishe！ThenitwillbeIwhoaccuseshimtotheking；and，byGod！hisheadshallfall！Nowawaytotheking！"
　　Justasheenteredtheking'santeroom，thedoorofthecabinetopened，andtheDuchessofRichmond，accompaniedbyEarlDouglas，walkedout。
　　LadyJaneandGardinerwerestanding，asifbyaccident，nearthedoor。
　　"Well，haveweattainedourendtherealso？"askedGardiner。
　　"Wehaveattainedit，"saidEarlDouglas。"Theduchesshasaccusedherbrotherofaliaisonwiththequeen。Shehasdeposedthathesometimesleavesthepalacebynight，anddoesnotreturntoitbeforemorning。Shehasdeclaredthatforfournightssheherselfdoggedherbrotherandsawhimasheenteredthewingofthecastleoccupiedbythequeen；andoneofthequeen'smaidshascommunicatedtotheduchessthatthequeenwasnotinherroomonthatnight。"
　　"Andthekinglistenedtotheaccusation，anddidnotthrottleyouinhiswrath！"
　　"Heisjustinthatdullstateofrageinwhichthelavathatthecraterwillafterwardpourforth，isjustprepared。Asyetallisquiet，butbesuretherewillbeaneruption，andthestreamofred-
　　hotlavawillbusythosewhohavedaredexcitethegodVulcan。"
　　"Anddoesheknowabouttherosette？"askedLadyJane。
　　"Heknowseverything。Anduntilthatmomenthewillallownoonetosuspecthiswrathandfury。Hesayshewillmakethequeenperfectlysecure，inordertogetintohishandstherebysureproofofherguilt。Well，wewillfurnishhimthisevidence；andhenceitfollowsthatthequeenisinevitablylost。"
　　"Buthark！Thedoorsareopened，andthemasterofceremoniescomestosummonustothegoldengallery。"
　　"Justwalkin，"mutteredJohnHeywood，glidingalongbehindthem。"I
　　amstillhere；andIwillbethemousethatgnawsthenetinwhichyouwanttocatchmynoble-mindedlioness。"
　　CHAPTERXXV。
　　THEQUEEN'SROSETTE。
　　Thegoldengallery，inwhichthetourneyofthepoetswastotakeplace，presentedto-dayatrulyenchantingandfairy-likeaspect。
　　Mirrorsofgiganticsize，setinbroadgiltframes，ornamentedwiththemoatperfectcarvedwork，coveredthewalls，andthrewback，athousandtimesreflected，theenormouschandelierswhich，withtheirhundredsandhundredsofcandles，shedthelightofdayinthevasthall。Hereandtherewereseen，arrangedinfrontofthemirrors，clustersoftherarestandchoicestflowers，whichpouredthroughthehalltheirfragrance，stupefyingandyetsoenchanting，andoutshoneinbrilliancyofcolorseventheTurkishcarpet，whichstretchedthroughthewholeroomandchangedthefloorintooneimmenseflower-bed。Betweentheclumpsofflowerswereseentableswithgoldenvases，inwhichwererefreshingbeverages；whileattheotherendoftheenormousgallerystoodagiganticsideboard，whichcontainedthechoicestandrarestdishes。Atpresentthedoorsofthesideboard，which，whenopen，formedaroomofitself，wereclosed。
　　Theyhadnotyetcometothematerialenjoyments；theywerestilloccupiedinabsorbingthespiritual。Thebrilliantandselectcompanythatfilledthehallwasstillforsometimecondemnedtobesilent，andtoshutupwithinthemtheirlaughterandgossip，theirbackbitingandslander，theirflatteryandhypocrisy。
　　Justnowapauseensued。Theking，withCroke，hadrecitedtohiscourtascenefrom"Antigone"；andtheywerejusttakingbreathfromthewonderfulandexaltedenjoymentofhavingjustheardalanguageofwhichtheyunderstoodnotaword，butwhichtheyfoundtobeverybeautiful，sincethekingadmiredit。
　　HenrytheEighthhadagainleanedbackonhisgoldenthrone，and，panting，restedfromhisprodigiousexertion；andwhileherestedanddreamed，aninvisiblebandplayedapieceofmusiccomposedbythekinghimself，andwhich，withitsseriousandsolemnmovement，strangelycontrastedwiththisroomsobrilliantandcheerful——withthissplendid，laughingandjestingassembly。
　　Forthekinghadbiddenthemamusethemselvesandbegay；togivethemselvesuptounrestrainedchit-chat。Itwas，therefore，naturalforthemtolaugh，andtoappearnottonoticetheking'sexhaustionandrepose。
　　Besides，theyhadnotforalongtimeseenHenrysocheerful，sofullofyouthfullife，sosparklingwithwitandhumor，asonthisevening。Hismouthwasoverflowingwithjeststhatmadethegentlemenlaugh，andthebeautiful，brilliantwomenblush，and，aboveall，theyoungqueen，whosatbyhimontherichandsplendidthrone，andnowandthenthrewstolenandlongingglancesatherlover，forwhomshewouldwillinglyandgladlyhavegivenherroyalcrownandherthrone。
　　WhenthekingsawhowCatharineblushed，heturnedtoher，andinhistenderesttonebeggedherpardonforhisjest，which，however，initssauciness，servedonlytomakehisqueenstillmorebeautiful，stillmorebewitching。Hiswordswerethensotenderandheartfelt，hislookssofullofloveandadmiration，thatnobodycoulddoubtbutthatthequeenwasinhighestfavorwithherhusband，andthathelovedhermosttenderly。
　　Onlythefewwhoknewthesecretofthistendernessoftheking，soopenandsounreservedlydisplayed，comprehendedfullythedangerwhichthreatenedthequeen；forthekingwasnevermoretobedreadedthanwhenheflattered；andonnoonedidhiswrathfallmorecrushinglythanonhimwhomhehadjustkissedandassuredofhisfavor。
　　ThiswaswhatEarlDouglassaidtohimself，whenhesawwithwhatacordiallookHenrytheEighthchattedwithhisconsort。
　　BehindthethroneoftheroyalpairwasseenJohnHeywood，inhisfantasticanddressycostume，withhisfaceatoncenobleandcunning；andthekingjustthenbrokeoutintoloud，resoundinglaughterathissarcasticandsatiricalobservations。
　　"King，yourlaughdoesnotpleasemeto-day，"saidJohnHeywood，earnestly。"Itsmacksofgall。Doyounotfinditso，queen？"
　　Thequeenwasstartledfromhersweetreveries，andthatwaswhatJohnHeywoodhadwished。He，therefore，repeatedhisquestion。
　　"No，indeed，"saidshe:"Ifindthekingto-dayquitelikethesun。
　　Heisradiantandbright，likeit。"
　　"Queen，youdonotmeanthesun，butthefullmoon，"saidJohnHeywood。"Butonlysee，Henry，howcheerfullyEarlArchibaldDouglasoverthereischattingwiththeDuchessofRichmond！Ilovethatgoodearl。Healwaysappearslikeablind-worm，whichisjustinthenotionofstingingsomeoneontheheel，andhenceitcomesthat，whenneartheearl，Ialwaystransformmyselfintoacrane。Istandononeleg；becauseIamthensuretohavetheotheratleastsafefromtheearl'ssting。King，wereIlikeyou，Iwouldnothavethosekilledthattheblind-wormhasstung；butIwouldrootouttheblind-worms，thatthefeetofhonorablemenmightbesecurefromthem。"
　　Thekingcastathimaquick，searchinglook，whichJohnHeywoodansweredwithasmile。
　　"Killtheblind-worms，KingHenry，"saidhe；"andwhenyouareonceatworkdestroyingvermin，itwilldonoharmifyouoncemoregivethesepriestsalsoagoodkick。Itisnowalongtimesinceweburntanyofthem，andtheyareagainbecomingarrogantandmalicious，astheyalwayswereandalwayswillbe。IseeeventhepiousandmeekbishopofWinchester，thenobleGardiner，whoisentertaininghimselfwithLadyJaneoverthere，smilingverycheerfully，andthatisabadsign；forGardinersmilesonlywhenhehasagaincaughtapoorsoul，andprepareditasabreakfastforhislord。Idonotmeanyou，king，buthislord——thedevil。Forthedevilisalwayshungryfornoblehumansouls；andtohimwhocatchesoneforhimhegivesindulgenceforhissinsforanhour。ThereforeGardinercatchessomanysouls；forsincehesinseveryhour，everyhourheneedsindulgence。"
　　"Youareveryspitefulto-day，JohnHeywood，"saidthequeen，smiling，whilethekingfixedhiseyesontheground，thoughtfulandmusing。
　　JohnHeywood'swordshadtouchedthesoreplaceofhisheart，and，inspiteofhimself，filledhissuspicioussoulwithnewdoubts。
　　Hemistrustednotmerelytheaccused，buttheaccusersalso；andifhepunishedtheoneascriminals，hewouldhavewillinglypunishedtheothersasinformants。
　　Heaskedhimself:"WhataimhadEarlDouglasandGardinerinaccusingthequeen；andwhyhadtheystartledhimoutofhisquietandconfidence？"Atthatmoment，whenhelookedonhisbeautifulwife，whosatbyhiminsuchserenetranquillity，unembarrassedandsmiling，hefeltadeepangerfillhisheart，notagainstCatharine，butagainstJane，whoaccusedher。Shewassolovelyandbeautiful！
　　Whydidtheyenvyhimher？Whydidtheynotleavehiminhissweetdelusion？Butperhapsshewasnotguilty。No，shewasnot。Theeyeofaculpritisnotthusbrightandclear。Theairofinfidelityisnotthusunembarrassed——ofsuchmaidenlydelicacy。
　　Moreover，thekingwasexhaustedanddisgusted。Onecanbecomesatiatedevenwithcruelty；and，atthishour，Henryfeltcompletelysurfeitedwithbloodshed。
　　Hisheart——for，insuchmomentsofmentalrelaxationandbodilyenfeeblement，thekingevenhadaheart——hisheartwasalreadyinthemoodofpronouncingthewordpardon，whenhiseyefellonHenryHoward，who，withhisfather，theDukeofNorfolk，andsurroundedbyacircleofbrilliantandnoblelords，wasstandingnotfarfromtheroyalthrone。
　　Thekingfeltadeadlystabinhisbreast，andhiseyesdartedlightningovertowardthatgroup。
　　Howproudandimposingthefigureofthenobleearllooked；howhighheovertoppedallothers；hownobleandhandsomehiscountenance；
　　howkinglywashisbearingandwholeappearance！
　　Henrymustadmitallthis；andbecausehemustdoso，hehatedhim。
　　Nay！nomercyforCatharine！Ifwhatheraccusershadtoldhimweretrue——iftheycouldgivehimtheproofsofthequeen'sguilt，thenshewasdoomed。Andhowcouldhedoubtit？Hadtheynottoldhimthatintherosette，whichthequeenwouldgiveEarlSurrey，wascontainedalove-letterfromCatharine，whichhewouldfind？HadnotEarlSurrey，inaconfidentialhour，yesterdayimpartedthistohissister，theDuchessofRichmond，whenhewishedtobribehertobethemessengeroflovebetweenthequeenandhimself？Hadshenotaccusedthequeenofhavingmeetingsbynightwiththeearlinthedesertedtower？
　　Nay，nocompassionforhisfairqueen，ifHenryHowardwasherlover。
　　Hemustagainlookoverathishatedenemy。Therehestillstoodbyhisfather，theDukeofNorfolk。Howsprightlyandgracefullytheolddukemoved；howslimhisform；andhowloftyandimposinghisbearing！Thekingwasyoungerthantheduke；andyethewasfetteredtohistruckle-chair；yethesatonhisthronelikeanimmovablecolossus，whilehemovedfreelyandlightly，andobeyedhisownwill，notnecessity。Henrycouldhavecrushedhim——thisproud，arrogantearl，whowasafreeman，whilsthiskingwasnothingbutaprisonertohisownflesh，aslaveofhisunwieldybody。
　　"Iwillexterminateit——thisproud，arrogantraceofHowards！"
　　mutteredtheking，asheturnedwithafriendlysmiletotheEarlofSurrey。
　　"Youhavepromisedussomeofyourpoems，cousin！"saidhe。"Soletusnowenjoythem；foryousee，indeed，howimpatientlyallthebeautifulwomenlookonEngland'snoblestandgreatestpoet，andhowveryangrywithmetheywouldbeifIstilllongerwithholdthisenjoymentfromthem！Evenmyfairqueenisfulloflongingafteryoursongs，sorichinfancy；foryouwellknow，Howard，shelovespoetry，and，aboveallthings，yours。"
　　Catharinehadscarcelyheardwhatthekingsaid。HerlookshadencounteredSeymour's，andtheireyeswerefixedoneachother's。
　　Butshehadthencastdowntothefloorhereyes，stillcompletelyfilledwiththesightofherlover，inordertothinkofhim，sinceshenolongerdaredgazeathim。
　　Whenthekingcalledhername，shestartedupandlookedathiminquiringly。Shehadnotheardwhathehadsaidtoher。
　　"Notevenforamomentdoesshelooktowardme！"saidHenryHowardtohimself。"Oh，shelovesmenot！oratleastherunderstandingismightierthanherlove。Oh，Catharine，Catharine，fearestthoudeathsomuchthatthoucanstonthataccountdenythylove？"
　　Withdesperatehastehedrewouthisportfolio。"Iwillcompelhertolookatme，tothinkofme，torememberheroath，"thoughthe。
　　"Woetoher，ifshedoesnotfulfilit——ifshegivesmenottherosette，whichshepromisedmewithsosolemnavow！Ifshedoesitnot，thenIwillbreakthisdreadfulsilence，andbeforeherking，andbeforehercourt，accuseheroftreacherytoherlove。Then，atleast，shewillnotbeabletocastmeoff；forweshallmountthescaffoldtogether。"
　　"Doesmyexaltedqueenallowmetobegin？"askedhealoud，whollyforgettingthatthekinghadalreadygivenhimtheordertodoso，andthatitwasheonlywhocouldgrantsuchapermission。
　　Catharinelookedathiminastonishment。ThenherglancefellonLadyJaneDouglas，whowasgazingoveratherwithanimploringexpression。Thequeensmiled；forshenowrememberedthatitwasJane'sbelovedwhohadspokentoher，andthatshehadpromisedthepooryounggirltoraiseagainthedejectedEarlofSurreyandtobegracioustohim。
　　"Janeisright，"thoughtshe；"heappearstobedeeplydepressedandsuffering。Ah，itmustbeverypainfultoseethosewhomonelovessuffering。Iwill，therefore，complywithJane'srequest，forshesaysthismightrevivetheearl。"
　　WithasmileshebowedtoHoward。"Ibegyou，"saidshe，"tolendourfestivalitsfairestornament——toadornitwiththefragrantflowersofyourpoesy。Youseeweareallburningwithdesiretohearyourverses。"
　　Thekingshookwithrage，andacrushingwordwasalreadypoiseduponhislip。Butherestrainedhimself。Hewantedtohaveproofsfirst；hewantedtoseethemnotmerelyaccused，butdoomedalso；
　　andforthatheneededproofsoftheirguilt。
　　HenryHowardnowapproachedthethroneoftheroyalpair，andwithbeaminglooks，withanimatedcountenance，withavoicetremblingwithemotion，hereadhislove-songtothefairGeraldine。Amurmurofapplausearosewhenhehadreadhisfirstsonnet。Thekingonlylookedgloomily，withfixedeyes；thequeenaloneremaineduninterestedandcold。
　　"Sheisacompleteactress，"thoughtHenryHoward，inthemadnessofhispain。"Notamuscleofherfacestirs；andyetthissonnetmustremindherofthefairestandmostsacredmomentofourlove。"
　　Thequeenremainedunmovedandcold。ButhadHenryHowardlookedatLadyJaneDouglas，hewouldhaveseenhowsheturnedpaleandblushed；howshesmiledwithrapture，andhow，nevertheless，hereyesfilledwithtears。
　　EarlSurrey，however，sawnothingbutthequeen；andthesightofhermadehimtremblewithrageandpain。Hiseyesdartedlightning:
　　hiscountenanceglowedwithpassion；hiswholebeingwasindesperate，enthusiasticexcitement。AtthatmomenthewouldhavegladlybreathedouthislifeatGeraldine'sfeet，ifshewouldonlyrecognizehim——ifshewouldonlyhavethecouragetocallhimherbeloved。
　　Buthersmilingcalmness，herfriendlycoolness，broughthimtodespair。
　　Hecrumpledthepaperinhishand；thelettersdancedbeforehiseyes；hecouldreadnomore。
　　Buthewouldnotremain，mute，either。Likethedyingswan，hewouldbreatheouthispaininalastsong，andgivesoundandwordstohisdespairandhisagony。Hecouldnolongerread；butheimprovised。
　　Likeaglowingstreamoflava，thewordsflowedfromhislips；infierydithyrambic，inimpassionedhymns，hepouredforthhisloveandpain。Thegeniusofpoesyhoveredoverhimandlighteduphisnobleandthoughtfulbrow。
　　Hewasradiantlybeautifulinhisenthusiasm；andeventhequeenfeltherselfcarriedawaybyhiswords。Hisplaintsoflove，hislongingpains，hisraptureandhissadfancies，foundanechoinherheart。Sheunderstoodhim；forshefeltthesamejoy，thesamesorrowandthesamerapture；onlyshedidnotfeelallthisforhim。
　　But，aswehavesaid，heenchantedher；thecurrentofhispassioncarriedheraway。Sheweptathislaments；shesmiledathishymnsofjoy。
　　WhenHenryHowardatlengthceased，profoundsilencereignedinthevastandbrillianthall。
　　Allfacesbetrayeddeepemotion；andthisuniversalsilencewasthepoet'sfairesttriumph；foritshowedthatenvyandjealousyweredumb，andthatscornitselfcouldfindnowords。
　　Amomentarypauseensued；itresembledthatsultry，ominousstillnesswhichiswonttoprecedetheburstingofatempest；whenNaturestopsamomentinbreathlessstillness，togatherstrengthfortheuproarofthestorm。
　　Itwasasignificant，anawfulpause；butonlyafewunderstooditsmeaning。
　　LadyJaneleanedagainstthewall，completelyshatteredandbreathless。Shefeltthattheswordwashangingovertheirheads，andthatitwoulddestroyherifitstruckherbeloved。
　　EarlDouglasandtheBishopofWinchesterhadinvoluntarilydrawnneareachother，andstoodtherehandinhand，unitedforthisunholystruggle；whileJohnHeywoodhadcreptbehindtheking'sthrone，andinhissarcasticmannerwhisperedinhisearsomeepigrams，thatmadethekingsmileinspiteofhimself。
　　Butnowthequeenarosefromherseat，andbeckonedHenryHowardnearertoher。
　　"Mylord，"saidshe，almostwithsolemnity，"asaqueenandasawomanIthankyouforthenobleandsublimelyricswhichyouhavecomposedinhonorofawoman！AndforthatthegraceofmykinghasexaltedmetobethefirstwomaninEngland，itbecomesme，inthenameofallwomen，toreturntoyoumythanks。Tothepoetisduearewardotherthanthatofthewarrior。Tothevictoronthebattlefieldisawardedalaurelcrown。Butyouhavegainedavictorynotlessglorious，foryouhaveconqueredhearts！Weacknowledgeourselvesvanquished，andinthenameofallthesenoblewomen，I
　　proclaimyoutheirknight！Intokenofwhich，acceptthisrosette，mylord。Itentitlesyoutowearthequeen'scolors；itlaysyouunderobligationtobetheknightofallwomen！"
　　Sheloosenedtherosettefromhershoulder，andhandedittotheearl。
　　Hehadsunkononekneebeforeher，andalreadyextendedhishandtoreceivethispreciousandcovetedpledge。
　　Butatthismomentthekingarose，and，withanimperiousgesture，heldbackthequeen'shand。
　　"Allowme，mylady，"saidhe，inavoicequiveringwithrage——"allowmefirsttoexaminethisrosette，andconvincemyselfthatitisworthenoughtobepresentedtothenobleearlashissolereward。
　　Letmeseethisrosette。"
　　Catharinelookedwithastonishmentintothatfaceconvulsedwithpassionandfury，butwithouthesitationshehandedhimtherosette。
　　"Wearelost！"murmuredEarlSurrey，whileEarlDouglasandGardinerexchangedwitheachotherlooksoftriumph；andJaneDouglasmurmuredinhertremblingheartprayersofanxietyanddread，scarcelyhearingthemaliciousandexultantwordswhichtheDuchessofRichmondwaswhisperinginherear。
　　Thekingheldtherosetteinhishandandexaminedit。Buthishandstrembledsomuchthathewasunabletounfastentheclaspwhichheldittogether。
　　He，therefore，handedittoJohnHeywood。"Thesediamondsarepoor，"
　　saidhe，inacurt，drytone。"Unfastentheclasp，fool；wewillreplaceitwiththispinhere。Thenwillthepresentgainfortheearladoublevalue；foritwillcomeatthesametimefrommeandfromthequeen。
　　Howgraciousyouareto-day！"saidJohnHeywood，smiling——"asgraciousasthecat，thatplaysalittlelongerwiththemousebeforeshedevoursit。"
　　"Unfastentheclasp！"exclaimedtheking，inathunderingvoice，nolongerabletoconcealhisrage。SlowlyJohnHeywoodunfastenedtheclaspfromtheribbon。Hediditwithintentionalslownessanddeliberation；heletthekingseeallhismovements，everyturnofhisfingers；anditdelightedhimtoholdthosewhohadwoventhisplotindreadfulsuspenseandexpectation。
　　Whilstheappearedperfectlyinnocentandunembarrassed，hiskeen，piercingglanceranoverthewholeassembly，andhenoticedwellthetremblingimpatienceofGardinerandEarlDouglas；anditdidnotescapehimhowpaleLadyJanewas，andhowfullofexpectationweretheintentfeaturesoftheDuchessofRichmond。
　　"Theyaretheoneswithwhomthisconspiracyoriginated，"saidJohnHeywoodtohimself。"ButIwillkeepsilencetillIcanonedayconvictthem。"
　　"There，hereistheclasp！"saidhethenaloudtotheking。"Itstuckastightlyintheribbonasmaliceintheheartsofpriestsandcourtiers！"
　　Thekingsnatchedtheribbonoutofhishand，andexamineditbydrawingitthroughhisfingers。
　　"Nothing！nothingatall！"saidhe，gnashinghisteeth；andnow，deceivedinhisexpectationsandsuppositions，hecouldnolongermusterstrengthtowithstandthatroaringtorrentofwrathwhichoverflowedhisheart。Thetigerwasagainarousedinhim；hehadcalmlywaitedforthemomentwhenthepromisedpreywouldbebroughttohim；now，whenitseemedtobeescapinghim，hissavageandcrueldispositionstartedupwithinhim。Thetigerpantedandthirstedforblood；andthathewasnottogetit，madehimragingwithfury。
　　Withawildmovementhethrewtherosetteontheground，andraisedhisarmmenacinglytowardHenryHoward。"Darenottotouchthatrosette，"criedhe，inavoiceofthunder，"beforeyouhaveexculpatedyourselffromtheguiltofwhichyouareaccused。"
　　EarlSurreylookedhimsteadilyandboldlyintheeye。"HaveIbeenaccused，then？"askedhe。"ThenIdemand，firstofall，thatIbeconfrontedwithmyaccusers，andthatmyfaultbenamed！"
　　"Ha，traitor！Doyoudaretobraveme？"yelledtheking，stampingfuriouslywithhisfoot。"Well，now，IwillbeyouraccuserandI
　　willbeyourjudge！"
　　"Andsurely，mykingandhusband，youwillbearighteousjudge，"
　　saidCatharine，assheinclinedimploringlytowardthekingandgraspedhishand。"YouwillnotcondemnthenobleEarlSurreywithouthavingheardhim；andifyoufindhimguiltless，youwillpunishhisaccusers？"
　　Butthisintercessionofthequeenmadethekingraging。Hethrewherhandfromhim，andgazedatherwithlooksofsuchflamingwrath，thatsheinvoluntarilytrembled。
　　"Traitoressyourself！"yelledhe，wildly。"Speaknotofinnocence——
　　youwhoareyourselfguilty；andbeforeyoudaredefendtheearl，defendyourself！"
　　Catharinerosefromherseatandlookedwithflashingeyesintotheking'sfaceblazingwithwrath。"KingHenryofEngland，"saidshe，solemnly，"youhaveopenly，beforeyourwholecourt，accusedyourqueenofacrime。Inowdemandthatyounameit！"
　　Shewasofwondrousbeautyinherproud，holdbearing——inherimposing，majestictranquillity。
　　Thedecisivemomenthadcome，andshewasconsciousthatherlifeandherfuturewerestrugglingwithdeathforthevictory。
　　ShelookedovertoThomasSeymour，andtheireyesmet。Shesawhowhelaidhishandonhissword，andnoddedtoherasmilinggreeting。
　　"Hewilldefendme；andbeforehewillsuffermetobedraggedtotheTower，hehimselfwillplungehisswordintomybreast，"thoughtshe，andajoyous，triumphantassurancefilledherwholeheart。
　　Shesawnothingbuthim，whohadsworntodiewithherwhenthedecisivemomentcame。Shelookedwithasmileonthebladewhichhehadalreadyhalfdrawnfromitsscabbard；andshehaileditasadear，long-yearned-forfriend。
　　ShesawnotthatHenryHowardalsohadlainhishandonhissword；
　　thathe，too，wasreadyforherdefence，firmlyresolvedtoslaythekinghimself，beforehismouthutteredthesentenceofdeathoverthequeen。
　　ButLadyJaneDouglassawit。Sheunderstoodhowtoreadtheearl'scountenance；shefeltthathewasreadytogotodeathforhisbeloved；anditfilledherheartatoncewithwoeandrapture。
　　She，too，wasnowfirmlyresolvedtofollowherheartandherlove；
　　and，forgettingallelsebesidesthese，shehastenedforward，andwasnowstandingbyHenryHoward。
　　"Beprudent，EarlSurrey，"saidshe，inalowwhisper。"Takeyourhandfromyoursword。Thequeen，bymymouth，commandsyoutodoso！"
　　HenryHowardlookedatherastonishedandsurprised；buthelethishandslipfromthehiltofhissword，andagainlookedtowardthequeen。
　　Shehadrepeatedherdemand；shehadoncemoredemandedoftheking——
　　who，speechlessandcompletelyovercomewithanger，hadfallenbackintohisseat——tonamethecrimeofwhichshewasaccused。
　　"Now，then，myqueen，youdemandit，andyoushallhearit，"criedhe。"Youwanttoknowthecrimeofwhichyouareaccused？Answermethen，mylady！Theyaccuseyouofnotalwaysstayingatnightinyoursleeping-room。Itisallegedthatyousometimesleaveitformanyhours；andthatnoneofyourwomenaccompaniedyouwhenyouglidedthroughthecorridorsandupthesecretstairstothelonelytower，inwhich，waswaitingforyouyourlover，whoatthesametimeenteredthetowerthroughthesmallstreetdoor。"
　　"Heknowsall！"mutteredHenryHoward；andagainhelaidhishandonhissword，andwasabouttoapproachthequeen。
　　LadyJaneheldhimback。"Waitfortheissue，"saidshe。"Thereisstilltimetodie！"
　　"Heknowsall！"thoughtthequeenalso；andnowshefeltwithinherselfthedaringcouragetoriskall，thatatleastshemightnotstandthereatraitoressintheeyesofherlover。
　　"HeshallnotbelievethatIhavebeenuntruetohim，"thoughtshe。
　　"Iwilltellall——confessall，thathemayknowwhyIwentandwhither。"
　　"Nowanswer，myLadyCatharine！"thunderedtheking。"Answer，andtellmewhetheryouhavebeenfalselyaccused。Isittruethatyou，eightdaysago，inthenightbetweenMondayandTuesday，leftyoursleeping-roomatthehourofmidnight，andwentsecretlytothelonelytower？Isittruethatyoureceivedthereamanwhoisyourlover？"
　　Thequeenlookedathiminangrypride。"Henry，Henry，woetoyou，thatyoudarethusinsultyourownwife！"criedshe。
　　"Answerme！Youwerenotonthatnightinyoursleeping-room？"
　　"No，"saidCatharine，withdignifiedcomposure，"Iwasnotthere。"
　　Thekingsankbackinhisseat，andarealroaroffurysoundedfromhislips。Itmadethewomenturnpale，andeventhemenfeltthemselvestremble。
　　Catharinealonehadnotheededitatall；shealonehadheardnothingsavethatcryofamazementwhichThomasSeymouruttered；andshesawonlytheangryandup-braidinglookswhichhethrewacrossather。Sheansweredtheselookswithafriendlyandconfidentsmile，andpressedbothherhandstoherheart，asshelookedathim。
　　"Iwilljustifymyselfbeforehimatleast，"thoughtshe。
　　Thekinghadrecoveredfromhisfirstshock。Heagainraisedhimselfup，andhiscountenancenowexhibitedafearful，threateningcoolness。
　　"Youconfess，then，"askedhe，"thatyouwerenotinyoursleeping-
　　roomonthatnight？"
　　"Ihavealreadysaidso，"exclaimedCatharine，impatiently。Thekingcompressedhislipssoviolently，thattheybled。"Andamanwaswithyou？"askedhe——"amanwithwhomyoumadeanassignation，andwhomyoureceivedinthelonelytower？"
　　"Amanwaswithme。ButIdidnotreceivehiminthelonelytower；
　　anditwasnoassignation。"
　　"Whowasthatman？"yelledtheking。"Answerme！Tellmehisname，ifyoudonotwantmetostrangleyoumyself！"
　　"KingHenry，Ifeardeathnolonger！"saidCatharine，withacontemptuoussmile。
　　"Whowasthatman？Tellmehisname！"yelledthekingoncemore。
　　Thequeenraisedherselfmoreproudly，andherdefiantlookranoverthewholeassembly。
　　"Theman，"saidshe，solemnly，"whowaswithmeonthatnight——heisnamed——"
　　"HeisnamedJohnHeywood！"saidthisindividual；asheseriouslyandproudlywalkedforwardfrombehindtheking'sthrone。"Yes，Henry，yourbrother，thefoolJohnHeywood，hadonthatnighttheproudhonorofaccompanyingyourconsortonherholyerrand；but，I
　　assureyou，thathewaslessliketheking，thanthekingisjustnowlikethefool。"
　　Amurmurofsurpriseranthroughtheassembly。Thekingleanedbackinhisroyalseatspeechless。"Andnow，KingHenry，"saidCatharine，calmly——"nowIwilltellyouwhitherIwentwithJohnHeywoodonthatnight。"
　　Shewassilent，andforamomentleanedbackonherseat。Shefeltthatthelooksofallweredirectedtoher；sheheardtheking'swrathfulgroan；shefeltherlover'sflashing，reproachfulglances；
　　shesawthederisivesmileofthosehaughtyladies，whohadneverforgivenher——thatshe，fromasimplebaroness，hadbecomequeen。
　　Butallthismadeheronlystillbolderandmorecourageous。
　　Shehadarrivedattheturning-pointofherlife，whereshemustriskeverythingtoavoidsinkingintotheabyss。
　　ButLadyJanealsohadarrivedatsuchadecisivemomentofherexistence。She，too，saidtoherself:"Imustatthishourriskall，ifIdonotwanttoloseall。"ShesawHenryHoward'spale，expectantface。Sheknew，ifthequeennowspoke，thewholeweboftheirconspiracywouldberevealedtohim。
　　Shemust，therefore，anticipatethequeen。ShemustwarnHenryHoward。
　　"Fearnothing！"whisperedshetohim。"Wewerepreparedforthat。I
　　haveputintoherhandsthemeansofescape！"
　　"Willyounowatlastspeak？"exclaimedtheking，quiveringwithimpatienceandrage。"Willyouatlasttelluswhereyouwereonthatnight？"
　　"Iwilltell！"exclaimedCatharine，risingupagainboldlyandresolutely"Butwoebetothosewhodrivemetothis！ForItellyoubeforehand，fromtheaccusedIwillbecomeanaccuserwhodemandsjustice，ifnotbeforethethroneoftheKingofEngland，yetbeforethethroneoftheLordofallkings！KingHenryofEngland，doyouaskmewhitherIwentonthatnightwithJohnHeywood？Imight，perhaps，asyourqueenandconsort，demandthatyouputthisquestiontomenotbeforesomanywitnesses，butinthequietofourchamber；butyouseekpublicity，andIdonotshunit。Well，hearthetruth，then，allofyou！Onthatnight，betweenMondayandTuesday，Iwasnotinmysleeping-apartment，becauseIhadagraveandsacreddutytoperform；becauseadyingwomancalledonmeforhelpandpity！Wouldyouknow，mylordandhusband，whothisdyingwomanwas？ItwasAnneAskew！"
　　"AnneAskew！"exclaimedthekinginastonishment；andhiscountenanceexhibitedalesswrathfulexpression。
　　"AnneAskew！"mutteredtheothers；andJohnHeywoodverywellsawhowBishopGardiner'sbrowdarkened，andhowChancellorWriothesleyturnedpaleandcastdownhiseyes。
　　"Yes，IwaswithAnneAskew！"continuedthequeen——"withAnneAskew，whomthosepiousandwiselordsyonderhadcondemned，notsomuchonaccountofherfaith，butbecausetheyknewthatIlovedher。AnneAskewwastodie，becauseCatharineParrlovedher！Shewastogotothestake，thatmyheartalsomightburnwithfierypains！Andbecauseitwasso，Iwasobligedtoriskeverythinginordertosaveher。Oh，myking，sayyourself，didInotoweittothispoorgirltotryeverythinginordertosaveher？Onmyaccountshewastosufferthesetortures。FortheyhadshamefullystolenfrommealetterwhichAnneAskew，inthedistressofherheart，hadaddressedtome；andtheyshowedthislettertoyouinordertocastsuspiciononmeandaccusemetoyou。Butyournobleheartrepelledthesuspicion；andnowtheirwrathfellagainonAnneAskew，andshemustsuffer，becausetheydidnotfindmepunishable。Shemustatoneforhavingdaredtowritetome。Theyworkedmatterswithyousothatshewasputtotherack。Butwhenmyhusbandgavewaytotheirurging，yetthenoblekingremainedstillawakeinhim。'Go，'saidhe，'rackherandkillher；butseefirstwhethershewillnotrecant。'"
　　Henrylookedastonishedintohernobleanddefiantface。"Doyouknowthat？"askedhe。"Andyetwewerealone，andnohumanbeingpresent。Whocouldtellyouthat？"
　　"Whenmanisnolongerabletohelp，thenGodundertakes！"saidCatharinesolemnly。"ItwasGodwhocommandedmetogotoAnneAskew，andtrywhetherIcouldsaveher。AndIwent。Butthoughthewifeofanobleandgreatking，Iamstillbutaweakandtimidwoman。Iwasafraidtotreadthisgloomyanddangerouspathalone；I
　　neededastrongmanlyarmtoleanupon；andsoJohnHeywoodlentmehis。"
　　"AndyouwerereallywithAnneAskew，"interposedtheking，thoughtfully——"withthathardenedsinner，whodespisedmercy，andinthestubbornnessofhersoulwouldnotbeapartakerofthepardonthatIofferedher？"
　　"Mylordandhusband，"saidthequeen，withtearsinhereyes，"shewhomyouhavejustaccusedstandsevennowbeforethethroneoftheLord，andhasreceivedfromherGodtheforgivenessofhersins！
　　Therefore，doyoulikewisepardonher；andmaytheflamesofthestake，towhichyesterdaythenoblevirginbodyofthisgirlwasbound，haveconsumedalsothewrathandhatredwhichhadbeenkindledinyourheartagainsther！AnneAskewpassedawaylikeasaint；forsheforgaveallherenemiesandblessedhertormentors。"
　　"AnneAskewwasadamnablesinner，whodaredresistthecommandofherlordandking！"interruptedBishopGardiner，lookingdaggersather。
　　"Anddareyoumaintain，mylord，thatyouatthattimefulfilledthecommandsofyourroyalmastersimplyandexactly？"askedCatharine。
　　"DidyoukeepwithinthemwithrespecttoAnneAskew？No！Isay；forthekinghadnotorderedyoutotortureher；hehadnotbiddenyoutolacerateinblasphemouswrathanoblehumanform，anddistortthatlikenessofGodintoahorriblecaricature。Andthat，mylord，youdid！BeforeGodandyourking，Iaccuseyouofit——I，thequeen！
　　Foryouknow，mylordandhusband，IwastherewhenAnneAskewwasracked。Isawheragony，andJohnHeywoodsawitwithme。"
　　Theeyesofallwerenowdirectedinquiringlytotheking，ofwhoseferocityandcholereveryoneexpectedaviolentoutbreak。
　　Butthistimetheyweremistaken。Thekingwassowellsatisfiedtofindhisconsortclearofthecrimelaidtohercharge，thathewillinglyforgaveherforhavingcommittedacrimeoflessweightycharacter。Besides，itfilledhimwithrespecttoseehisconsortconfrontingheraccuserssoboldlyandproudly；andhefelttowardthemjustasburningwrathandhatredashehadbeforeharboredagainstthequeen。Hewaspleasedthatthemalignantandpersistentpersecutorsofhisfairandproudwifeshouldnowbehumbledbyherbeforetheeyesofallhiscourt。
　　Thereforehelookedatherwithanimperceptiblesmile，andsaidwithdeepinterest:"Buthowcouldthishappen，mylady？Bywhatpathdidyougetthither？"
　　"Thatisaninquirywhichanyoneexceptthekingisauthorizedtomake。KingHenryaloneknowsthewaythatIwent！"saidCatharine，withaslightsmile。
　　JohnHeywood，whowasstillstandingbehindtheking'sthrone，nowbentdownclosetoHenry'sear，andspokewithhimalongtimeinaquick，lowtone。
　　Thekinglistenedtohimattentively；thenhemurmuredsoloudthatthebystanderscouldverywellunderstandhim:"ByGod，sheisaspiritedandbravewoman；andweshouldbeobligedtoconfessthat，evenwereshenotourqueen！"
　　"Continue，mylady！"saidhethenaloud，turningtothequeenwithagraciouslook。"Relatetome，Catharine，whatsawyoutheninthetorture-chamber？"
　　"Oh，mykingandlord，ithorrifiesmeonlytothinkofit，"criedshe，shudderingandturningpale。"Isawapooryoungwomanwhowrithedinfearfulagony，andwhosestaringeyeswereraisedinmutesupplicationtoHeaven。Shedidnotbeghertormentorsformercy；
　　shewantedfromthemnocompassionandnopity；shedidnotscreamandwhinefromthepain，thoughherlimbscrackedandherfleshsnappedapartlikeglass；sheraisedherclaspedhandstoGod，andherlipsmurmuredlowprayers，which，perhaps，madetheangelsofheavenweep，butwerenotabletotouchtheheartsofhertormentors。Youhadorderedhertoberacked，ifshewouldnotretract。Theydidnotaskherwhethershewoulddothis——theyrackedher。Buthersoulwasstrongandfullofcourage；and，underthetorturesoftheexecutioner，herlipsremainedmute。LettheologianssayanddeterminewhetherAnneAskew'sfaithwasafalseone；butthistheywillnotdaredeny:thatinthenobleenthusiasmofthisfaith，shewasaheroinewhoatleastdidnotdenyherGod。Atlength，wornoutwithsomuchuselessexertion，theassistantexecutionersdiscontinuedtheirbloodywork，torestfromthetortureswhichtheyhadpreparedforAnneAskew。ThelieutenantoftheTowerdeclaredtheworkoftherackended。Thehighestdegreeshadbeenapplied，andtheyhadprovedpowerless；crueltywasobligedtoacknowledgeitselfconquered。ButthepriestsoftheChurch，withsavagevehemence，demandedthatsheshouldberackedoncemore。Daredenythat，yelords，whomIbeholdstandingthereoppositewithfacespaleasdeath！Yes，myking，theservantsoftherackrefusedtoobeytheservantsofGod；forintheheartsofthehangman'sdrudgestherewasmorepitythanintheheartsofthepriests！Andwhentheyrefusedtoproceedintheirbloodywork，andwhenthelieutenantoftheTower，invirtueoftheexistinglaw，declaredtherackingatanend，thenIsawoneofthefirstministersofourChurchthrowasidehissacredgarments；thenthepriestofGodtransformedhimselfintoahangman'sdrudge，who，withbloodthirstydelight，laceratedanewthenoblemangledbodyoftheyounggirl，andmorecruelthantheattendantsoftherack，unsparinglytheybrokeanddislocatedthelimbs，whichtheyhadonlysqueezedintheirscrews。[Footnote:Burnet's"HistoryoftheReformation，"vol。
　　i，p。132。]Excuseme，myking，fromsketchingthissceneofhorrorstillfurther！Horrifiedandtrembling，Ifledfromthatfrightfulplace，andreturnedtomyroom，shatteredandsadatheart。"
　　Catharineceased，exhausted，andsankbackintoherseat。
　　Abreathlessstillnessreignedaround。Allfaceswerepaleandcolorless。GardinerandWriothesleystoodwiththeireyesfixed，gloomyanddefiant，expectingthattheking'swrathwouldcrushanddestroythem。
　　Butthekingscarcelythoughtofthem；hethoughtonlyofhisfairyoungqueen，whoseboldnessinspiredhimwithrespect，andwhoseinnocenceandpurityfilledhimwithaproudandblissfuljoy。
　　Hewas，therefore，verymuchinclinedtoforgivethosewhoinrealityhadcommittednooffencefurtherthanthis，thattheyhadcarriedoutalittletooliterallyandstrictlytheordersoftheirmaster。
　　Alongpausehadensued——apausefullofexpectationandanxietyforallwhowereassembledinthehall。OnlyCatharinereclinedcalmlyinherchair，andwithbeamingeyeslookedacrosstoThomasSeymour，whosehandsomecountenancebetrayedtoherthegratificationandsatisfactionwhichhefeltatthisclearingupofhermysteriousnight-wandering。
　　Atlastthekingarose，and，bowinglowbeforehisconsort，saidinaloud，full-tonedvoice:"Ihavedeeplyandbitterlyinjuredyou，mynoblewife；andasIpubliclyaccusedyou，Iwillalsopubliclyaskyourforgiveness！Youhavearighttobeangrywithme；foritbehoovedme，aboveall，tobelievewithunshakenfirmnessinthetruthandhonorofmywife。Mylady，youhavemadeabrilliantvindicationofyourself；andI，theking，firstofallbowbeforeyou，andbegthatyoumayforgivemeandimposesomepenance。"
　　"Leaveittome，queen，toimposeapenanceonthisrepentantsinner！"criedJohnHeywood，gayly。"Yourmajestyismuchtoomagnanimous，muchtootimid，totreathimasroughlyasmybrotherKingHenrydeserves。Leaveittome，then，topunishhim；foronlythefooliswiseenoughtopunishthekingafterhisdeserts。"
　　Catharinenoddedtohimwithagratefulsmile。ShecomprehendedperfectlyJohnHeywood'sdelicacyandnicetact；sheapprehendedthathewantedbyajoketorelieveherfromherpainfulsituation，andputanendtotheking'spublicacknowledgment，whichatthesametimemustturntoherbitterreproach——bitter，thoughitwereonlyself-reproach。
　　"Well，"saidshe，smiling，"whatpunishment，then，willyouimposeupontheking？"
　　"Thepunishmentofrecognizingthefoolashisequal！"
　　"GodismywitnessthatIdoso！"criedtheking，almostsolemnly。
　　"Foolsweare，oneandall，andwefallshortoftherenownwhichwehavebeforemen。"
　　"Butmysentenceisnotyetcomplete，brother！"continuedJohnHeywood。"Ifurthermoregivesentence，thatyoualsoforthwithallowmetorecitemypoemtoyou，andthatyouopenyourearsinordertohearwhatJohnHeywood，thewise，hasindited！"
　　"Youhave，then，fulfilledmycommand，andcomposedanewinterlude？"criedtheking，vivaciously。
　　"Nointerlude，butawhollynovel，comicalaffair——aplayfulloflampoonsandjokes，atwhichyoureyesaretooverflow，yetnotwithweeping，butwithlaughter。TotherightnobleEarlofSurreybelongstheproudhonorofhavingpresentedtoourhappyEnglandherfirstsonnets。Well，now，Ialsowillgivehersomethingnew。I
　　presentherthefirstcomedy；andashesingsthebeautyofhisGeraldine，soIcelebratethefameofGammerGurton'ssewing-needle——
　　GammerGurton'sneedle——somypieceiscalled；andyou，KingHenry，shalllistentoitasapunishmentforyoursins！"
　　"Iwilldoso，"criedtheking，cheerfully，"providedyoupermitit，Kate！ButbeforeIdoso，Imakealsoonemorecondition——aconditionforyou，queen！Kate，youhavedisdainedtoimposeapenanceonme，butgrantmeatleastthepleasureofbeingallowedtofulfilsomewishofyours！Makemearequest，thatImaygrantityou！"
　　"Well，then，mylordandking，"saidCatharinewithacharmingsmile，"Ibegyoutothinknomoreoftheincidentsofthisday，andtoforgivethosewhomIaccused，onlybecausetheiraccusationwasmyvindication。Theywhobroughtchargesagainstmehaveinthishourfeltcontritionfortheirownfault。Letthatsuffice，king，andforgivethem，asIdo！"
　　"Youareanobleandgreatwoman，Kate！"criedtheking；and，ashisglancesweptovertowardGardinerwithanalmostcontemptuousexpression，hecontinued:"Yourrequestisgranted。Butwoetothemwhoshalldareaccuseyouagain！Andhaveyounothingfurthertodemand，Kate？"
　　"Nay，onethingmore，mylordandhusband！"Sheleanednearertotheking'sear，andwhispered:"Theyhavealsoaccusedyournoblestandmostfaithfulservant；theyhaveaccusedCranmer。Condemnhimnot，king，withouthavingheardhim；andifImaybegafavorofyou，itisthis:talkwithCranmeryourself。Tellhimofwhattheyhavechargedhim，andhearhisvindication。"
　　"Itshallbeso，Kate，"saidtheking，"andyoushallbepresent！
　　Butletthisbeasecretbetweenus，Kate，andwewillcarryitoutinperfectsilence。Andnow，then，JohnHeywood，letushearyourcomposition；andwoetoyou，ifitdoesnotaccomplishwhatyoupromised——ifitdoesnotmakeuslaugh！Foryouwellknowthatyouaretheninevitablyexposedtotherodsofourinjuredladies。"
　　"Theyshallhaveleavetowhipmetodeath，ifIdonotmakeyoulaugh！"criedJohnHeywood，gayly，ashedrewouthismanuscript。
　　Soonthehallrangagainwithloudlaughter；andintheuniversalmerrimentnooneobservedthatBishopGardinerandEarlDouglasslippedquietlyaway。
　　Intheanteroomwithout，theystoppedandlookedateachotherlongandsilently；theircountenancesexpressedthewrathandbitternesswhichfilledthem；andtheyunderstoodthismutelanguageoftheirfeatures。
　　"Shemustdie！"saidGardinerinashortandquicktone。"Shehasforonceescapedfromoursnares；wewilltiethemallthetighternexttime！"
　　"AndIalreadyholdinmyhandthethreadsoutofwhichwewillformthesesnares，"saidEarlDouglas。"Wehaveto-dayfalselyaccusedherofalove-affair。Whenwedoitagain，weshallspeakthetruth。
　　DidyouseethelooksthatCatharineexchangedwiththehereticalEarlSudley，ThomasSeymour？"
　　"Isawthem，earl！"
　　"Fortheselooksshewilldie，mylord。ThequeenlovesThomasSeymour，andthislovewillbeherdeath。"
　　"Amen！"saidBishopGardiner，solemnly，asheraisedhiseyesdevoutlytoheaven。"Amen！Thequeenhasgrievouslyandbitterlyinjuredusto-day；shehasinsultedandabusedusbeforeallthecourt。Wewillrequiteherforitsomeday！Thetorture-chamber，whichshehasdepictedinsuchlivelycolors，mayyetonedayopenforher，too——notthatshemaybeholdanother'sagonies，butthatshemaysufferagoniesherself。Weshallonedayavengeourselves！"
　　CHAPTERXXVI。
　　REVENGE。
　　MissHolland，thebeautifulandmuch-admiredmistressoftheDukeofNorfolk，wasaloneinhermagnificentlyadornedboudoir。Itwasthehourwhenordinarilythedukewaswonttobewithher；forthisreasonshewascharminglyattired，andhadwrappedherselfinthatlightandvoluptuousnegligeewhichthedukesomuchliked，becauseitsetofftosomuchadvantagethesplendidformofhisfriend。
　　Butto-daytheexpectedonedidnotmakehisappearance:inhissteadhisvalethadjustcomeandbroughtthefairmissanotefromhismaster。Thisnoteshewasholdinginherhand，whilewithpassionateviolenceshenowwalkedupanddownherboudoir。A
　　glowingcrimsonblazeduponhercheeks，andherlarge，haughtyeyesdartedwildflashesofwrath。
　　Shewasdisdained——she，LadyHolland，wasforcedtoendurethedisgraceofbeingdismissedbyherlover。
　　There，there，inthatletterwhichsheheldinherhand，andwhichburnedherfingerslikered-hotiron——thereitstoodinblackandwhite，thathewouldseehernomore；thatherenouncedherlove；
　　thathereleasedher。
　　Herwholeframeshookasshethoughtofthis。Itwasnottheanguishofalovingheartwhichmadehertremble；itwasthewoundedprideofthewoman。
　　Hehadabandonedher。Herbeauty，heryouthnolongerhadthepowertoenchainhim——themanwithwhitehairsandwitheredfeatures。
　　Hehadwrittenherthathewassatiatedandweary，notofher，butonlyofloveingeneral；thathishearthadbecomeoldandwitheredlikehisface:andthattherewasstillinhisbreastnomoreroomforlove，butonlyforambition。
　　Wasnotthatarevolting，anunheard-ofoutrage——toabandonthefinestwomaninEnglandforthesakeofempty，cold，sternambition？
　　Sheopenedtheletteroncemore。Oncemoreshereadthatplace。Thengrindingherteethwithtearsofangerinhereyes:"Heshallpaymeforthis！Iwilltakevengeanceforthisinsult！"Shethrusttheletterintoherbosom，andtouchedthesilverbell。
　　"Havemycarriagebroughtround！"washerordertotheservantwhoentered；andhewithdrewinsilence。
　　"Iwillavengemyself！"mutteredshe，aswithtremblinghandsshewrappedherselfinherlargeTurkishshawl。"Iwillavengemyself；
　　and，bytheEternal！itshallbeabloodyandswiftvengeance！I
　　willshowhimthatI，too，amambitious，andthatmyprideisnottobehumbled。Hesayshewillforgetme。Oh，Iwillcompelhimtothinkofme，eventhoughitbeonlytocurseme！"
　　Withhastystepshespedthroughtheglitteringapartments，whichtheliberalityofherloverhadfurnishedsomagnificently，anddescendedtothecarriagestandingreadyforher。
　　"TotheDuchessofNorfolk's！"saidshetothefootmanstandingatthedoorofthecarriage，assheenteredit。
　　Theservantlookedatherinastonishmentandinquiringly。
　　"TotheDukeofNorfolk；isitnot，mylady？"
　　"No，indeed，totheduchess！"criedshewithafrown，assheleanedbackonthecushion。
　　Afterashorttime，thecarriagedrewupbeforethepalaceoftheduchess，andwithhaughtytreadandcommandingairshepassedthroughtheporch。
　　"Announcemetotheduchessimmediately，"washerordertothelackeywhowashurryingtomeether。
　　"Yourname，mylady？"
　　"MissArabellaHolland。"
　　Theservantsteppedback，andstaredatherinsurprise。
　　"MissArabellaHolland！andyouordermetoannounceyoutotheduchess？"
　　Acontemptuoussmileplayedamomentaboutthethinlipsofthebeautifulmiss。"Iseeyouknowme，"saidshe，"andyouwonderalittletoseemehere。Wonderasmuchasyouplease，goodfriend；
　　onlyconductmeimmediatelytotheduchess。
　　Idoubtwhetherherladyshipreceivescallsto-day，"stammeredtheservant，hesitatingly。
　　"Thengoandask；and，thatImaylearnheranswerassoonaspossible，Iwillaccompanyyou。"
　　Withacommandingair，shemotionedtotheservanttogobeforeher；
　　andhecouldnotsummonupcouragetogainsaythisproudbeauty。
　　Insilencetheytraversedthesuiteofstatelyapartments，andatlengthstoodbeforeadoorhungwithtapestry。
　　"Imustbegyoutowaithereamoment，mylady，sothatIcanannounceyoutotheduchess，whoisthereinherboudoir。"
　　"No，indeed；Iwillassumethatofficemyself，"saidMissHolland，aswithstronghandshepushedbacktheservantandopenedthedoor。
　　Theduchesswassittingatherwriting-table，herbackturnedtothedoorthroughwhichArabellahadentered。Shedidnotturnround；
　　perhapsshehadnotheardthedooropen。Shecontinuedquietlywriting。
　　MissArabellaHollandwithstatelystepcrossedtheroom，andnowstoodclosetothechairoftheduchess。
　　"Duchess，Iwouldliketospeakwithyou，"saidshe，coollyandcalmly。
　　Theduchessutteredacryandlookedup。"MissHolland！"criedsheamazed，andhastilyrising。"MissHolland！youherewithme，inmyhouse！Whatdoyouwanthere？Howdareyoucrossmythreshold？"