Itwasintheyear1543。KingHenrytheEighthofEnglandthatdayoncemorepronouncedhimselfthehappiestandmostenviablemaninhiskingdom，forto-dayhewasoncemoreabridegroom，andCatharineParr，theyouthfulwidowofBaronLatimer，hadtheperiloushappinessofbeingselectedastheking\'ssixthconsort。
MerrilychimedthebellsofallthesteeplesofLondon，announcingtothepeoplethecommencementofthatholyceremonywhichsacredlyboundCatharineParrtothekingashissixthwife。Thepeople，everfondofnoveltyandshow，crowdedthroughthestreetstowardtheroyalpalacetocatchasightofCatharine，whensheappearedatherhusband\'ssideuponthebalcony，toshowherselftotheEnglishpeopleastheirqueen，andtoreceivetheirhomageinreturn。
SurelyitwasaproudandloftysuccessforthewidowofapettybarontobecomethelawfulwifeoftheKingofEngland，andtowearuponherbrowaroyalcrown！ButyetCatharineParr\'sheartwasmovedwithastrangefear，hercheekswerepaleandcold，andbeforethealtarhercloselycompressedlipsscarcelyhadthepowertopart，andpronouncethebinding\"Iwill。\"
Atlastthesacredceremonywascompleted。Thetwospiritualdignitaries，Gardiner，bishopofWinchester，andCranmer，archbishopofCanterbury，then，inaccordancewithcourtetiquette，ledtheyoungbrideintoherapartments，inordertoblessthem，andoncemoretopraywithher，beforetheworldlyfestivitiesshouldbegin。
Catharine，however，paleandagitated，hadyetsustainedherpartinthevariousceremoniesofthedaywithatruequeenlybearinganddignity；and，asnowwithheadproudlyerectandfirmstep，shewalkedwithabishopateithersidethroughthesplendidapartments，noonesuspectedhowheavyaburdenweigheduponherheart，andwhatbalefulvoiceswerewhisperinginherbreast。
Followedbyhernewcourt，shehadtraversedwithhercompanionsthestateapartments，andnowreachedtheinnerrooms。Here，accordingtotheetiquetteofthetime，shemustdismisshercourt，andonlythetwobishopsandherladiesofhonorwerepermittedtoaccompanythequeenintothedrawing-room。Butfartherthanthischambereventhebishopsthemselvesmightnotfollowher。Thekinghimselfhadwrittendowntheorderfortheday，andhewhoswervedfromthisorderinthemostinsignificantpointwouldhavebeenproclaimedguiltyofhightreason，andperhapshavebeenledouttodeath。
Catharine，therefore，turnedwithalanguidsmiletothetwohighecclesiastics，andrequestedthemtoawaitherehersummons。Thenbeckoningtoherladiesofhonor，shewithdrewintoherboudoir。
Thetwobishopsremainedbythemselvesinthedrawing-room。Thecircumstanceoftheirbeingaloneseemedtoimpressthembothalikeandunpleasantly；foradarkscowlgatheredonthebrowsofboth，andtheywithdrew，asifataconcertedsignal，totheoppositesidesofthespaciousapartment。
Alongpauseensued。Nothingwasheardsavetheregulartickingofalargeclockofrareworkmanshipwhichstoodoverthefireplace，andfromthestreetafaroff，therejoicingofthepeople，whosurgedtowardthepalacelikearoaringsea。
Gardinerhadsteppedtothewindow，andwaslookingupwithhispeculiardarksmileatthecloudswhich，drivenbythetempest，weresweepingacrosstheheavens。
Cranmerstoodbythewallontheoppositeside，andsunkinsadthoughts，wascontemplatingalargeportraitofHenrytheEighth，themasterlyproductionofHolbein。Ashegazedonthatcountenance，indicativeatonceofsomuchdignityandsomuchferocity；ashecontemplatedthoseeyeswhichshonewithsuchgloomyseverity，thoselipsonwhichwasasmileatoncevoluptuousandfierce，therecameoverhimafeelingofdeepsympathywiththeyoungwomanwhomhehadthatdaydevotedtosuchsplendidmisery。Hereflectedthathehad，inlikemanner，alreadyconductedtwowivesofthekingtothemarriagealtar，andhadblessedtheirunion。Buthereflected，too，thathehadalso，afterward，attendedboththesequeenswhentheyascendedthescaffold。
Howeasilymightthispitiableyoungwifeofthekingfallavictimtothesamedarkfate！HoweasilymightCatharineParr，likeAnneBoleynandCatharineHoward，purchasehershort-livedglorywithanignominiousdeath！Atanytimeaninconsiderateword，alook，asmile，mightbeherruin。Fortheking\'scholerandjealousywereincalculable，and，tohiscruelty，nopunishmentseemedtoosevereforthosebywhomhefanciedhimselfinjured。
SuchwerethethoughtswhichoccupiedBishopCranmer。Theysoftenedhim，andcausedthedarkwrinklestodisappearfromhisbrow。
Henowsmiledtohimselfattheill-humorwhichhehadfeltshortlybefore，andupbraidedhimselfforhavingbeensolittlemindfulofhisholycalling，andforhavingexhibitedsolittlereadinesstomeethisenemyinaconciliatingspirit。
ForGardinerwashisenemy；thatCranmerverywellknew。Gardinerhadoftenenoughshowedhimthisbyhisdeeds，ashehadalsotakenpainsbyhiswordstoassurehimofhisfriendship。
ButevenifGardinerhatedhim，itdidnotthereforefollowthatCranmerwasobligedtoreturnthathatred；thatheshoulddenominatehimhisenemy，whomhe，invirtueoftheirmutualhighcalling，wasboundtohonorandloveashisbrother。
ThenobleCranmerwas，therefore，ashamedofhismomentaryill-
humor。Agentlesmilelighteduphispeacefulcountenance。Withanairatoncedignifiedandfriendly，hecrossedtheroomandapproachedtheBishopofWinchester。
LordGardinerturnedtowardhimwithmoroselooks，and，withoutadvancingfromtheembrasureofthewindowinwhichhewasstanding，waitedforCranmertoadvancetohim。Ashelookedintothatnoble，smilingcountenance，hehadafeelingasifhemustraisehisfistanddashitintothefaceofthisman，whohadtheboldnesstowishtobehisequal，andtocontendwithhimforfameandhonor。
ButhereflectedingoodtimethatCranmerwasstilltheking\'sfavorite，andthereforehemustproceedtoworkagainsthimwithgreatcaution。
Soheforcedthesefiercethoughtsbackintohisheart，andlethisfaceagainassumeitswontedgraveandimpenetrableexpression。
Cranmernowstoodclosebeforehim，andhisbright，beamingeyewasfixeduponGardiner\'ssullencountenance。
\"Icometoyourhighness，\"saidCranmer，inhisgentle，pleasantvoice，\"tosaytoyouthatIwishwithmywholeheartthequeenmaychooseyouforherconfessorandspiritualdirector，andtoassureyouthat，shouldthisbethecase，therewillnotbeinmysoul，onthataccount，theleastrancor，ortheslightestdissatisfaction。I
shallfullycomprehendit，ifhermajestychoosesthedistinguishedandeminentBishopofWinchesterasherconfessor，andtheesteemandadmirationwhichIentertainforyoucanonlybeenhancedthereby。Inconfirmationofthis，permitmetoofferyoumyhand。\"
HepresentedhishandtoGardiner，who，however，tookitreluctantlyandbutforamoment。
\"Yourhighnessisverynoble，andatthesametimeaverysubtlediplomatist，foryouonlywishinanadroitandingeniouswaytogivemetounderstandhowIamtoactshouldthequeenchooseyouforherspiritualdirector。Butthatshewilldoso，youknowaswellasI。Itis，therefore，formeonlyahumiliationwhichetiquetteimposeswhenshecompelsmetostandhereandwaittoseewhetherIshallbechosen，orcontemptuouslythrustaside。\"
\"Whywillyoulookatmattersinsounfriendlyalight？\"saidCranmer，gently。\"Whereforewillyouconsideritamarkofcontempt，ifyouarenotchosentoanofficetowhich，indeed，neithermeritnorworthinesscancallus，butonlythepersonalconfidenceofayoungwoman？\"
\"Oh！youadmitthatIshallnotbechosen？\"criedGardiner，withamalicioussmile。
\"IhavealreadytoldyouthatIamwhollyuninformedastothequeen\'swish，andIthinkitisknownthattheBishopofCanterburyiswonttospeakthetruth。\"
\"Certainlythatisknown，butitisknownalsothatCatharineParrwasawarmadmireroftheBishopofCanterbury；andnowthatshehasgainedherendandbecomequeen，shewillmakeitherdutytoshowhergratitudetohim。\"
\"YouwouldbythatinsinuatethatIhavemadeherqueen。ButI
assureyourhighness，thatherealso，asinsomanyothermatterswhichrelatetomyself，youarefalselyinformed。\"
\"Possibly！\"saidGardiner，coldly。\"Atanyrate，itiscertainthattheyoungqueenisanardentadvocateoftheabominablenewdoctrinewhich，liketheplague，hasspreaditselffromGermanyoverallEuropeandscatteredmischiefandruinthroughallChristendom。Yes，CatharineParr，thepresentqueen，leanstothathereticagainstwhomtheHolyFatheratRomehashurledhiscrushinganathema。SheisanadherentoftheReformation。\"
\"Youforget，\"saidCranmer，withanarchsmile，\"thatthisanathemawashurledagainsttheheadofourkingalso，andthatithasshownitselfequallyineffectualagainstHenrytheEighthasagainstLuther。Besides，ImightremindyouthatwenolongercallthePopeofRome，\'HolyFather，\'andthatyouyourselfhaverecognizedthekingastheheadofourchurch。\"
Gardinerturnedawayhisfaceinordertoconcealthevexationandragewhichdistortedhisfeatures。Hefeltthathehadgonetoofar，thathehadbetrayedtoomuchofthesecretthoughtsofhissoul。
Buthecouldnotalwayscontrolhisviolentandpassionatenature；
andhowevermuchamanoftheworldanddiplomatisthemightbe，stillthereweremomentswhenthefanaticalpriestgotthebetterofthemanoftheworld，andthediplomatwasforcedtogivewaytotheministerofthechurch。
CranmerpitiedGardiner\'sconfusion，and，followingthenativegoodnessofhisheart，hesaidpleasantly:\"Letusnotstrivehereaboutdogmas，norattempttodeterminewhetherLutherorthepopeismostinthewrong。Westandhereinthechamberoftheyoungqueen。
Letus，therefore，occupyourselvesalittlewiththedestinyofthisyoungwomanwhomGodhaschosenforsobrilliantalot。\"
\"Brilliant？\"saidGardiner，shrugginghisshoulders。\"Letusfirstwaitfortheterminationofhercareer，andthendecidewhetherithasbeenbrilliant。Manyaqueenbeforethishasfanciedthatshewasrestingonacouchofmyrtlesandroses，andhassuddenlybecomeconsciousthatshewaslyingonared-hotgridiron，whichconsumedher。\"
\"Itistrue，\"murmuredCranmer，withaslightshudder，\"itisadangerouslottobetheking\'sconsort。Butjustonthataccountletusnotmaketheperilsofherpositionstillgreater，byaddingtothemourownenmityandhate。JustonthataccountIbegyouandonmypartIpledgeyoumywordforitthat，letthechoiceofthequeenbeasitmay，theremaybenofeelingofanger，andnodesireforrevengeinconsequence。MyGod，thepoorwomenaresuchoddbeings，sounaccountableintheirwishesandintheirinclinations！\"
\"Ah！itseemsyouknowthewomenveryintimately，\"criedGardiner，withamaliciouslaugh。\"Verily，wereyounotArchbishopofCanterbury，andhadnotthekingprohibitedthemarriageofecclesiasticsasaverygravecrime，onemightsupposethatyouhadawifeyourself，andhadgainedfromherathoroughknowledgeoffemalecharacter。\"
Cranmer，somewhatembarrassed，turnedaway，andseemedtoevadeGardiner\'spiercinglook。\"Wearenotspeakingofmyself，\"saidheatlength，\"butoftheyoungqueen，andIentreatforheryourgoodwishes。Ihaveseenherto-dayalmostforthefirsttime，andhaveneverspokenwithher，buthercountenancehastouchinglyimpressedme，anditappearedtome，herlooksbesoughtustoremainatherside，readytohelpheronthisdifficultpathway，whichfivewiveshavealreadytrodbeforeher，andinwhichtheyfoundonlymiseryandtears，disgrace，andblood。\"
\"LetCatharinebewarethenthatshedoesnotforsaketherightway，asherfivepredecessorshavedone！\"exclaimedGardiner。\"Mayshebeprudentandcautious，andmayshebeenlightenedbyGod，thatshemayholdthetruefaith，andhavetruewisdom，andnotallowherselftobeseducedintothecrookedpathofthegodlessandheretical，butremainfaithfulandsteadfastwiththoseofthetruefaith！\"
\"Whocansaywhoareofthetruefaith？\"murmuredCranmer，sadly。
\"Therearesomanypathsleadingtoheaven，whoknowswhichistherightone？\"
\"Thatwhichwetread！\"criedGardiner，withalltheoverweeningprideofaministerofthechurch。\"Woetothequeenshouldshetakeanyotherroad！WoetoherifshelendshereartothefalsedoctrineswhichcomeringingoverherefromGermanyandSwitzerland，andintheworldlyprudenceofherheartimaginesthatshecanrestsecure！Iwillhehermostfaithfulandzealousservant，ifsheiswithme；Iwillbehermostimplacableenemyifsheisagainstme。\"
\"Andwillyoucallitbeingagainstyou，ifthequeendoesnotchooseyouforherconfessor？\"
\"Willyouaskmetocallit，beingforme？\"
\"NowGodgrantthatshemaychooseyou！\"exclaimedCranmer，fervently，asheclaspedhishandsandraisedhiseyestoheaven。
\"Poor，unfortunatequeen！Thefirstproofofthyhusband\'slovemaybethyfirstmisfortune！Whygavehetheethelibertyofchoosingthineownspiritualdirector？Whydidhenotchooseforthee？\"
AndCranmerdroppedhisheaduponhisbreast，andsigheddeeply。
Atthisinstantthedooroftheroyalchamberopened，andLadyJane，daughterofEarlDouglas，andfirstmaidofhonortothequeen，madeherappearanceonthethreshold。Bothbishopsregardedherinbreathlesssilence。Itwasaserious，asolemnmoment，thedeepimportanceofwhichwasverywellcomprehendedbyallthree。
\"Hermajestythequeen，\"saidLadyJane，inanagitatedvoice，\"hermajestyrequeststhepresenceofLordCranmer，archbishopofCanterbury，inhercabinet，inorderthatshemayperformherdevotionswithhim。\"
\"Poorqueen！\"murmuredCranmer，ashecrossedtheroomtogotoCatharine——\"poorqueen！shehasjustmadeanimplacableenemy。\"
LadyJanewaitedtillCranmerhaddisappearedthroughthedoor，thenhastenedwitheagerstepstothebishopofWinchester，anddroppingonherknee，humblysaid，\"Grace，yourhighness，grace！Mywordswereinvain，andwerenotabletoshakeherresolution。\"
Gardinerraisedupthekneelingmaiden，andforcedasmile。\"Itiswell，\"saidhe，\"Idoubtnotofyourzeal。Youareatruehandmaidofthechurch，andshewillloveandrewardyouforitasamother！
Itisthendecided。Thequeenis——\"
\"Isaheretic，\"whisperedLadyJane。\"Woetoher！\"
\"Andwillyoubetrue，andwillyoufaithfullyadheretous？\"
\"True，ineverythoughtofmybeing，andeverydropofmyheart\'sblood。\"
\"SoshallweovercomeCatharineParr，asweovercameCatharineHoward。Totheblockwiththeheretic！WefoundmeansofbringingCatharineHowardtothescaffold；you，LadyJane，mustfindthemeansofleadingCatharineParrthesameway。\"
\"Iwillfindthem，\"saidLadyJane，quietly。\"Shelovesandtrustsme。Iwillbetrayherfriendshipinordertoremaintruetomyreligion。\"
\"CatharineParrthenislost，\"saidGardiner，aloud。
\"Yes，sheislost，\"respondedEarlDouglas，whohadjustentered，andcaughtthelastwordsofthebishop。\"Yes，sheislost，forweareherinexorableandever-vigilantenemies。ButIdeemitnotaltogetherprudenttoutterwordsliketheseinthequeen\'sdrawing-
room。Letusthereforechooseamorefavorablehour。Besides，yourhighness，youmustbetakeyourselftothegrandreception-hall，wherethewholecourtisalreadyassembled，andnowonlyawaitsthekingtogoinformalprocessionfortheyoungqueen，andconducthertothebalcony。Letusgo，then。\"
Gardinernoddedinsilence，andbetookhimselftothereception-
hall。
EarlDouglaswithhisdaughterfollowedhim。\"CatharineParrislost，\"whisperedheinLadyJane\'sear。\"CatharineParrislost，andyoushallbetheking\'sseventhwife。\"
Whilstthiswaspassinginthedrawing-room，theyoungqueenwasonherkneesbeforeCranmer，andwithhimsendinguptoGodferventprayersforprosperityandpeace。Tearsfilledhereyes，andherhearttrembledasifbeforesomeapproachingcalamity。
CHAPTERII
THEQUEENANDHERFRIEND
Atlastthislongdayofceremoniesandfestivitiesdrewnearitsclose，andCatharinemightsoonhopetobe，forthetime，relievedfromthisendlesspresentingandsmiling，fromthisever-renewedhomage。
Atherhusband\'ssideshehadshownherselfonthebalconytoreceivethegreetingsofthepeople，andtobowherthanks。Theninthespaciousaudience-chamberhernewlyappointedcourthadpassedbeforeherinformalprocession，andshehadexchangedafewmeaningless，friendlywordswitheachoftheselordsandladies。
Afterwardshehad，atherhusband\'sside，givenaudiencetothedeputationsfromthecityandfromParliament。Butitwasonlywithasecretshudderthatshehadreceivedfromtheirlipsthesamecongratulationsandpraiseswithwhichtheauthoritieshadalreadygreetedfiveotherwivesoftheking。
Stillshehadbeenabletosmileandseemhappy，forshewellknewthattheking\'seyewasneveroffofher，andthatalltheselordsandladieswhonowmetherwithsuchdeference，andwithhomageapparentlysosincere，wereyet，intruth，allherbitterenemies。
Forbyhermarriageshehaddestroyedsomanyhopes，shehadpushedasidesomanywhobelievedthemselvesbetterfittedtoassumetheloftypositionofqueen！Sheknewthatthesevictimsofdisappointmentwouldneverforgiveherthis；thatshe，whowasbutyesterdaytheirequal，hadto-daysoaredabovethemasqueenandmistress；sheknewthatallthesewerewatchingwithspyingeyeshereverywordandaction，inorder，itmightbe，toforgetherefromanaccusationoradeath-warrant。
Butneverthelessshesmiled！Shesmiled，thoughshefeltthatthecholeroftheking，soeasilykindledandsocruellyvindictive，everswungoverherheadliketheswordofDamocles。
Shesmiled，sothatthisswordmightnotfalluponher。
Atlengthallthesepresentations，thishomageandrejoicingwerewellover，andtheycametothemoreagreeableandsatisfactorypartofthefeast。
Theywenttodinner。ThatwasCatharine\'sfirstmomentofrespite，ofrest。ForwhenHenrytheEighthseatedhimselfattable，hewasnolongerthehaughtymonarchandthejealoushusband，butmerelytheproficientartisteandtheimpassionedgourmand；andwhetherthepastrywaswellseasoned，andthepheasantofgoodflavor，wasforhimthenafarmoreimportantquestionthananyconcerningthewealofhispeople，andtheprosperityofhiskingdom。
Butafterdinnercameanotherrespite，anewenjoyment，andthistimeamorerealone，whichindeedforawhilebanishedallgloomyforebodingsandmelancholyfearsfromCatharine\'sheart，andsuffusedhercountenancewiththerosyradianceofcheerfulnessandhappysmiles。ForKingHenryhadpreparedforhisyoungwifeapeculiarandaltogethernovelsurprise。HehadcausedtobeerectedinthepalaceofWhitehallastage，whereonwasrepresented，bythenoblesofthecourt，acomedyfromPlautus。Heretoforetherehadbeennoothertheatricalexhibitionsthanthosewhichthepeopleperformedonthehighfestivalsofthechurch，themoralityandthemysteryplays。KingHenrytheEighthwasthefirstwhohadastageerectedforworldlyamusementlikewise，andcausedtoberepresentedonitsubjectsotherthanmeredramatizedchurchhistory。Ashefreedthechurchfromitsspiritualhead，thepope，sohewishedtofreethestagefromthechurch，andtobeholduponitothermorelivelyspectaclesthantheroastingofsaintsandthemassacreofinspirednuns。
Andwhy，too，representsuchmocktragediesonthestage，whenthekingwasdailyperformingtheminreality？TheburningofChristianmartyrsandinspiredvirginswas，underthereignoftheChristiankingHenry，suchausualandevery-dayoccurrence，thatitcouldaffordapiquantentertainmentneithertothecourtnortohimself。
ButtherepresentationofaRomancomedy，that，however，wasanewandpiquantpleasure，asurprisefortheyoungqueen。Hehadthe\"Curculio\"playedbeforehiswife，andifCatharineindeedcouldlistentothelicentiousandshamelessjestsofthepopularRomanpoetonlywithbashfulblushes，Henrywassomuchthemoredelightedbyit，andaccompaniedtheobscenestallusionsandthemostindecentjestswithhisuproariouslaughterandloudshoutsofapplause。
Atlengththisfestivitywasalsooverwith，andCatharinewasnowpermittedtoretirewithherattendantstoherprivateapartments。
Withapleasantsmile，shedismissedhercavaliers，andbadeherwomenandhersecondmaidofhonor，AnnaAskew，gointoherboudoirandawaithercall。ThenshegaveherarmtoherfriendLadyJaneDouglas，andwithherenteredhercabinet。
Atlastshewasalone，atlastunwatched。Thesmiledisappearedfromherface，andanexpressionofdeepsadnesswasstampeduponherfeatures。
\"Jane，\"saidshe，\"praytheeshutthedoorsanddrawthewindowcurtains，sothatnobodycanseeme，nobodyhearme，nooneexceptyourself，myfriend，thecompanionofmyhappychildhood。Oh，myGod，myGod，whywasIsofoolishastoleavemyfather\'squiet，lonelycastleandgooutintotheworld，whichissofullofterrorandhorror？\"
Shesighedandgroaneddeeply；andburyingherfaceinherhands，shesankupontheottoman，weepingandtrembling。
LadyJaneobservedherwithapeculiarsmileofmalicioussatisfaction。
\"Sheisqueenandsheweeps，\"saidshetoherself。\"MyGod，howcanawomanpossiblyfeelunhappy，andsheaqueen？\"
SheapproachedCatharine，and，seatingherselfonthetabouretatherfeet，sheimpressedaferventkissonthequeen\'sdroopinghand。
\"Yourmajestyweeping！\"saidshe，inhermostinsinuatingtone。\"MyGod，youarethenunhappy；andIreceivedwithaloudcryofjoythenewsofmyfriend\'sunexpectedgoodfortune。Ithoughttomeetaqueen，proud，happy，andradiantwithjoy；andIwasanxiousandfearfullestthequeenmighthaveceasedtobemyfriend。WhereforeIurgedmyfather，assoonasyourcommandreachedus，toleaveDublinandhastenwithmehither。Oh，myGod！Iwishedtoseeyouinyourhappinessandinyourgreatness。\"
Catharineremovedherhandsfromherface，andlookeddownatherfriendwithasorrowfulsmile。\"Well，\"saidshe，\"areyounotsatisfiedwithwhatyouhaveseen？HaveInotthewholedaydisplayedtoyouthesmilingqueen，wornadressembroideredwithgold？didnotmyneckglitterwithdiamonds？didnottheroyaldiademshineinmyhair？andsatnotthekingbymyside？Letthat，then，besufficientforthepresent。Youhaveseenthequeenalldaylong。Allowmenowforonebrief，happymomenttobeagainthefeeling，sensitivewoman，whocanpourintothebosomofherfriendallhercomplaintandherwretchedness。Ah，Jane，ifyouknewhowI
havelongedforthishour，howIhavesighedafteryouastheonlybalmformypoorsmittenheart，smitteneventodeath，howIhaveimploredHeavenforthisday，forthisonething——\'GivemebackmyJane，sothatshecanweepwithme，sothatImayhaveonebeingatmysidewhounderstandsme，anddoesnotallowherselftobeimposeduponbythewretchedsplendorofthisoutwarddisplay！\'\"
\"PoorCatharine！\"whisperedLadyJane，\"poorqueen！\"
Catharinestartedandlaidherhand，sparklingwithbrilliants，onJane\'slips。\"Callmenotthus！\"saidshe。\"Queen！MyGod，isnotallthefearfulpastheardagaininthatword？Queen！Isitnotasmuchastosay，condemnedtothescaffoldandapubliccriminaltrial？Ah，Jane！adeadlytremorrunsthroughmymembers。IamHenrytheEighth\'ssixthqueen；Ishallalsobeexecuted，or，loadedwithdisgrace，berepudiated。\"
Againshehidherfaceinherhands，andherwholeframeshook；soshesawnotthesmileofmalicioussatisfactionwithwhichLadyJaneagainobservedher。Shesuspectednotwithwhatsecretdelightherfriendheardherlamentationsandsighs。
\"Oh！Iamatleastrevenged！\"thoughtJane，whileshelovinglystrokedthequeen\'shair。\"Yes，Iamrevenged！Shehasrobbedmeofacrown，butsheiswretched；andinthegoldengobletwhichshepressestoherlipsshewillfindnothingbutwormwood！Now，ifthissixthqueendiesnotonthescaffold，stillwemayperhapssoworkitthatshediesofanxiety，ordeemsitapleasuretobeabletolaydownagainherroyalcrownatHenry\'sfeet。\"
Thensaidshealoud:\"Butwhythesefears，Catharine？Thekinglovesyou；thewholecourthasseenwithwhattenderandardentlookshehasregardedyouto-day，andwithwhatdelighthehaslistenedtoyoureveryword。Certainlythekinglovesyou。\"
Catharineseizedherhandimpulsively。\"Thekinglovesme，\"
whisperedshe，\"andI，Itremblebeforehim。Yes，morethanthat，hislovefillsmewithhorror！Hishandsaredippedinblood，andasIsawhimto-dayinhiscrimsonrobesIshuddered，andIthought，Howsoon，andmyblood，too，willdyethiscrimson！\"
Janesmiled。\"Youaresick，Catharine，\"saidshe。\"Thisgoodfortunehastakenyoubysurprise，andyouroverstrainednervesnowdepictbeforeyouallsortsoffrightfulforms。Thatisall。\"
\"No，no，Jane；thesethoughtshaveeverbeenwithme。Theyhaveattendedmeeversincethekingselectedmeforhiswife。\"
\"Andwhy，then，didyounotrefusehim？\"askedLadyJane。\"Whydidyounotsay\'no\'totheking\'ssuit？\"
\"WhydidInotdoit，askyou？Ah，Jane，areyousuchastrangeratthiscourtasnottoknow，then，thatonemusteitherfulfiltheking\'sbehestsordie？MyGod，theyenvyme！TheycallmethegreatestandmostpotentwomanofEngland。TheyknownotthatIampoorerandmorepowerlessthanthebeggarofthestreet，whoatleasthasthepowertorefusewhomshewill。Icouldnotrefuse。I
musteitherdieoraccepttheroyalhandwhichwasextendedtome；
andIwouldnotdieyet，Ihavestillsomanyclaimsonlife，andithashithertomadegoodsofewofthem！Ah，mypoor，haplessexistence！whathasitbeen，butanendlesschainofrenunciationsanddeprivations，ofleaflessflowersanddissolvingviews？Itistrue，Ihaveneverlearnedtoknowwhatisusuallycalledmisfortune。Butisthereagreatermisfortunethannottobehappy；
thantosighthroughalifewithoutwishorhope；towearawaytheendless，wearydaysofanexistencewithoutdelight，yetsurroundedwithluxuryandsplendor？\"
\"Youwerenotunfortunate，andyetyouareanorphan，fatherlessandmotherless？\"
\"IlostmymothersoearlythatIscarcelyknewher。AndwhenmyfatherdiedIcouldhardlyconsideritotherthanablessing，forhehadnevershownhimselfafather，butalwaysonlyasaharsh，tyrannicalmastertome。\"
\"Butyouweremarried？\"
\"Married！\"saidCatharine，withamelancholysmile。\"Thatistosay，myfathersoldmetoagoutyoldman，onwhosecouchIspentafewcomfortless，awfullywearisomeyears，tillLordNevillemademearichwidow。Butwhatdidmyindependenceavailme，whenIhadboundmyselfinnewfetters？HithertoIhadbeentheslaveofmyfather，ofmyhusband；nowIwastheslaveofmywealth。Iceasedtobeasick-nursetobecomestewardofmyestate。Ah！thiswasthemosttediousperiodofmylife。AndyetIowetoitmyonlyrealhappiness，foratthatperiodIbecameacquaintedwithyou，myJane，andmyheart，whichhadneveryetlearnedtoknowatendererfeeling，flewtoyouwithalltheimpetuosityofafirstpassion。
Believeme，myJane，whenthislong-missingnephewofmyhusbandcameandsnatchedawayfrommehishereditaryestate，and，asthelord，tookpossessionofit，thenthethoughtthatImustleaveyouandyourfather，theneighboringproprietor，wasmyonlygrief。Mencommiseratedmeonaccountofmylostproperty。IthankedGodthatHehadrelievedmeofthisload，andIstartedforLondon，thatI
mightatlastliveandfeel，thatImightlearntoknowrealhappinessorrealmisery。\"
\"Andwhatdidyoufind？\"
\"Misery，Jane，forIamqueen。\"
\"Isthatyoursoleunhappiness？\"
\"Myonlyone，butitisgreatenough，foritcondemnsmetoeternalanxiety，toeternaldissimulation。ItcondemnsmetofeignalovewhichIdonotfeel，toendurecaresseswhichmakemeshudder，becausetheyareaninheritancefromfiveunfortunatewomen。Jane，Jane，doyoucomprehendwhatitistobeobligedtoembraceamanwhohasmurderedthreewivesandputawaytwo？tobeobligedtokissthiskingwhoselipsopenjustasreadilytouttervowsofloveassentencesofdeath？Ah，Jane，Ispeak，Ilive，andstillIsufferalltheagoniesofdeath！Theycallmeaqueen，andyetItrembleformylifeeveryhour，andconcealmyanxietyandfearbeneaththeappearanceofhappiness！MyGod，Iamfive-and-twenty，andmyheartisstilltheheartofachild；itdoesnotyetknowitself，andnowitisdoomednevertolearntoknowitself；forIamHenry\'swife，andtoloveanotheris，inotherwords，towishtomountthescaffold。Thescaffold！Look，Jane。Whenthekingapproachedmeandconfessedhisloveandofferedmehishand，suddenlythererosebeforemeafearfulpicture。ItwasnomorethekingwhomIsawbeforeme，butthehangman；anditseemedtomethatIsawthreecorpseslyingathisfeet，andwithaloudscreamIsanksenselessbeforehim。WhenIrevived，thekingwasholdingmeinhisarms。Theshockofthisunexpectedgoodfortune，hethought，hadmademefaint。Hekissedmeandcalledmehisbride；hethoughtnotforamomentthatIcouldrefusehim。AndI——despiseme，Jane——Iwassuchadastard，thatIcouldnotsummonupcourageforadownrightrefusal。Yes，Iwassocravenalso，astobeunwillingtodie。Ah，myGod，itappearedtomethatlifeatthatmomentbeckonedtomewiththousandsofjoys，thousandsofcharms，whichIhadneverknown，andforwhichmysoulthirstedasforthemannainthewilderness。Iwouldlive，liveatanycost。Iwouldgainmyselfarespite，sothatImightoncemoresharehappiness，love，andenjoyment。Look，Jane，mencallmeambitious。TheysayIhavegivenmyhandtoHenrybecauseheisking。Ah，theyknownothowI
shudderedatthisroyalcrown。TheyknownotthatinanguishofheartIbesoughtthekingnottobestowhishanduponme，andtherebyrousealltheladiesofhiskingdomasfoesagainstme。TheyknownotthatIconfessedthatIlovedhim，merelythatImightbeabletoaddthatIwasready，outoflovetohim，tosacrificemyownhappinesstohis，andsoconjuredhimtochooseaconsortworthyofhimself，fromthehereditaryprincessesofEurope。[Footnote:\"Lavied\'Elizabeth，Reined\'Angleterre，traduitedel\'ItaliendeMonsieurGregoireLeti，\"vol。ii。Amsterdam，1694]ButHenryrejectedmysacrifice。Hewishedtomakeaqueen，inordertopossessawife，whomaybehisownproperty——whoseblood，asherlordandmaster，hecanshed。SoIamqueen。Ihaveacceptedmylot，andhenceforthmyexistencewillbeaceaselessstruggleandwrestlingwithdeath。Iwillatleastsellmylifeasdearlyaspossible；andthemaximwhichCranmerhasgivenmeshallhereafterbemyguideonthethornypathoflife。\"
\"Andhowrunsthismaxim？\"askedJane。
\"Bewiseasserpentsandharmlessasdoves，\"repliedCatharine，withalanguidsmile，asshedroppedherheaduponherbreastandsurrenderedherselftoherpainfulandforebodingreflections。
LadyJanestoodoppositetoher，andgazedwithcruelcomposureuponthepainfullyconvulsedcountenanceandattimesviolentlytremblingformoftheyoungqueenforwhomallEnglandthatdaykeptfestival，andwhoyetwassittingbeforehersowretchedandfullofsorrow。
SuddenlyCatharineraisedherhead。Hercountenancehadnowassumedanentirelydifferentexpression。Itwasnowfirm，resolute，anddauntless。WithaslightinclinationoftheheadsheextendedherhandtoLadyJane，anddrewherfriendmorecloselytoher。
\"Ithankyou，Jane，\"saidshe，assheimprintedakissuponherforehead——\"Ithankyou！Youhavedonemyheartgoodandrelieveditofitsoppressiveloadofsecretanguish。Hewhocangivehisgriefutterance，isalreadyhalfcuredofit。Ithankyou，then，Jane！
Henceforth，youwillfindmecalmandcheerful。Thewomanhasweptbeforeyou，butthequeenisawarethatshehasatasktoaccomplishasdifficultasitisnoble，andIgiveyoumywordforit，shewillaccomplishit。Thenewlightwhichhasrisenontheworldshallnomorebedimmedbybloodandtears，andnomoreinthisunhappylandshallmenofsenseandpietybecondemnedasinsurgentsandtraitors！ThisisthetaskwhichGodhassetme，andIswearthatI
willaccomplishit！Willyouhelpmeinthis，too，Jane？\"
LadyJanerespondedfaintlyinafewwords，whichCatharinedidnotunderstand，andasshelookeduptoher，shenoticed，withastonishment，thecorpse-likepallorwhichhadsuddenlyoverspreadthecountenanceofhermaidofhonor。
Catharinegaveastart，andfixedonherfaceasurprisedandsearchinglook。
LadyJanecastdownhereyesbeforethatsearchingandflashingglance。Herfanaticismhadforthemomentgotthebetterofher，andmuchasshewaswontatothertimestohideherthoughtsandfeelings，ithad，atthatmoment，carriedherawayandbetrayedhertothekeeneyeofherfriend。
\"Itisnowalongwhilesincewesaweachother，\"saidCatharine，sadly。\"Threeyears！Itisalongtimeforayounggirl\'sheart！AndyouwerethosethreeyearswithyourfatherinDublin，atthatrigidlypopishcourt。Ididnotconsiderthat！Buthowevermuchyouropinionsmayhavechanged，yourheart，Iknow，stillremainsthesame，andyouwilleverbetheproud，high-mindedJaneofformerdays，whocouldneverstooptotellalie——no，notevenifthisliewouldprocureherprofitandglory。Iaskyouthen，Jane，whatisyourreligion？DoyoubelieveinthePopeofRome，andtheChurchofRomeastheonlychannelofsalvation？ordoyoufollowthenewteachingwhichLutherandCalvinhavepromulgated？\"
LadyJanesmiled。\"WouldIhaveriskedappearingbeforeyou，ifI
stillreckonedmyselfoftheRomanCatholicChurch？CatharineParrishailedbytheProtestantsofEnglandasthenewpatronessofthepersecuteddoctrine，andalreadytheRomishpriestshurltheiranathemasagainstyou，andexecrateyouandyourdangerouspresencehere。Andyouaskme，whetherIamanadherentofthatchurchwhichmalignsanddamnsyou？YouaskmewhetherIbelieveinthepope，whohaslaidthekingunderaninterdict——theking，whoisnotonlymylordandmaster，butalsothehusbandofmypreciousandnobleCatharine？Oh，queen，youlovemenotwhenyoucanaddresssuchaquestiontome。\"
Andasifovercomebypainfulemotion，LadyJanesankdownatCatharine\'sfeet，andhidherheadinthefoldsofthequeen\'srobe。
Catharinebentdowntoraiseherandtakehertoherheart。Suddenlyshestarted，andadeathlypalenessoverspreadherface。\"Theking，\"
whisperedshe，\"thekingiscoming！\"
CHAPTERIII。
KINGHENRYTHEEIGHTH。
Catharinewasnotdeceived。Thedoorswereopened，andonthethresholdappearedthelordmarshal，withhisgoldenmace。
\"Hismajestytheking！\"whisperedhe，inhisgrave，solemnmanner，whichfilledCatharinewithsecretdread，asthoughhewerepronouncingthesentenceofdeathoverher。
Butsheforcedasmileandadvancedtothedoortoreceivetheking。
Nowwasheardathunder-likerumble，andoverthesmoothlycarpetedflooroftheanteroomcamerollingontheking\'shouseequipage。
Thishouseequipageconsistedofalargechair，restingoncastors，whichwasmovedbymenintheplaceofhorses，andtowhichtheyhad，withartfulflattery，giventheformofatriumphalcaroftheoldvictoriousRomanCaesars，inordertoaffordtheking，asherolledthroughthehalls，thepleasantillusionthathewasholdingatriumphalprocession，andthatitwasnottheburdenofhisheavylimbswhichfastenedhimtohisimperialcar。KingHenrygavereadycredencetotheflatteryofhistruckle-chairandhiscourtiers，andasherolledalonginitthroughthesaloonsglitteringwithgold，andthroughhallsadornedwithVenetianmirrors，whichreflectedhisformathousandfold，helikedtolullhimselfintothedreamofbeingatriumphinghero，andwhollyforgotthatitwasnothisdeeds，buthisfat，thathadhelpedhimtohistriumphalcar。
Forthatmonstrousmasswhichfilledupthecolossalchair，thatmountainofpurple-cladflesh，thatclumsy，almostshapelessmass，thatwasHenrytheEighth，kingofmerryEngland。Butthaemasshadahead——aheadfullofdarkandwrathfulthoughts，aheartfullofbloodthirstyandcruellusts。Thecolossalbodywasindeed，byitsphysicalweight，fastenedtothechair。Yethismindneverrested，buthehovered，withthetalonsandflashingeyeofthebirdofprey，overhispeople，everreadytopounceuponsomeinnocentdove，todrinkherblood，andtearoutherheart，thathemightlayit，allpalpitating，asanofferingonthealtarofhissanguinarygod。
Theking\'ssedannowstopped，andCatharinehastenedforwardwithsmilingface，toassistherroyalhusbandinalighting。
Henrygreetedherwithagraciousnod，andrejectedtheprofferedaidoftheattendantpages。
\"Away，\"saidhe，\"away！MyCatharinealoneshallextendmeherhand，andgivemeawelcometothebridalchamber。Go，wefeelto-dayasyoungandstrongasinourbestandhappiestdays，andtheyoungqueenshallseethatitisnodecrepitgraybeard，totteringwithage，whowoosher，butastrongmanrejuvenatedbylove。Thinknot，Kate，thatIusemycarbecauseofweakness。No，itwasonlymylongingforyouwhichmademewishtobewithyouthesooner。\"
Hekissedherwithasmile，and，lightlyleaningonherarm，alightedfromhiscar。
\"Awaywiththeequipage，andwithallofyou！\"saidhe。\"Wewishtobealonewiththisbeautifulyoungwife，whomthelordbishopshaveto-daymadeourown。\"
Atasignalfromhishand，thebrilliantcortegewithdrew，andCatharinewasalonewiththeking。
Herheartbeatsowildlythatitmadeherlipstremble，andherbosomswellhigh。
Henrysawit，andsmiled；butitwasacold，cruelsmile，andCatharinegrewpalebeforeit。
\"Hehasonlythesmileofatyrant，\"saidshetoherself。\"Withthissamesmile，bywhichhewouldnowgiveexpressiontohislove，heyesterday，perhaps，signedadeath-warrant，orwill，to-morrow，witnessanexecution。\"
\"Doyouloveme，Kate？\"suddenlysaidtheking，whohadtillnowobservedherinsilenceandthoughtfulness。\"Say，Kate，doyouloveme？\"
Helookedsteadilyintohereyes，asthoughhewouldreadhersoultotheverybottom。
Catharinesustainedhislook，anddidnotdrophereyes。Shefeltthatthiswasthedecisivemomentwhichdeterminedherwholefuture；
andthisconvictionrestoredtoherallherself-possessionandenergy。
Shewasnownolongertheshy，timidgirl，buttheresolute，proudwoman，whowasreadytowrestlewithfateforgreatnessandglory。
\"Doyouloveme，Kate？\"repeatedtheking；andhisbrowalreadybegantodarken。
\"Iknownot，\"saidCatharine，withasmile，whichenchantedtheking，fortherewasquiteasmuchgracefulcoquetryasbashfulnessonhercharmingface。
\"Youknownot？\"repliedHenry，astonished。\"Now，bytheMotherofGod，itisthefirsttimeinmylifethatawomanhaseverbeenboldenoughtoreturnmesuchananswer！Youareaboldwoman，Kate，tohazardit，andIpraiseyouforit。Ilovebravery，becauseitissomethingIsorarelysee。Theyalltremblebeforeme，Kate——all！
TheyknowthatIamnotintimidatedbyblood，andinthemightofmyroyaltyIsubscribeadeath-warrantwiththesamecalmnessofsoulasalove-letter。\"
\"Oh，youareagreatking，\"murmuredCatharine。Henrydidnotnoticeher。Hewaswhollyburiedinoneofthoseself-contemplationstowhichhesowillinglysurrenderedhimself，andwhichgenerallyhadfortheirsubjecthisowngreatnessandsuperbility。
\"Yes，\"continuedhe，andhiseyes，which，inspiteofhiscorpulencyandhisextremelyfleshyface，wereyetlargeandwideopen，shonemorebrightly。\"Yes，theyalltremblebeforeme，fortheyknowthatIamarighteousandpowerfulking，whosparesnothisownblood，ifitisnecessarytopunishandexpiatecrime，andwithinexorablehandpunishesthesinner，thoughhewerethenearesttothethrone。
Takeheedtoyourself，therefore，Kate，takeheedtoyourself。YoubeholdinmetheavengerofGod，andthejudgeofmen。Thekingwearsthecrimson，notbecauseitisbeautifulandglossy，butbecauseitisredlikeblood，andbecauseitistheking\'shighestprerogativetoshedthebloodofhisdelinquentsubjects，andtherebyexpiatehumancrime。ThusonlydoIconceiveofroyalty，andthusonlywillIcarryitouttilltheendofmydays。Nottherighttopardon，buttherighttopunish，isthatwherebytherulermanifestshimselfbeforethelowerclassesofmankind。God\'sthundershouldbeonhislips，andtheking\'swrathshoulddescendlikelightningontheheadoftheguilty。\"
\"ButGodisnotonlywrathful，butalsomercifulandforgiving，\"
saidCatharine，asshelightlyandshylyleanedherheadontheking\'sshoulder。
\"JustthatistheprerogativeofGodabovekings；thatHecan，asitpleasesHim，showmercyandgrace，wherewecanonlycondemnandpunish。TheremustbesomethinginwhichGodissuperiortokings，andgreaterthanthey。Buthow，Kate，youtremble，andthelovelysmilehasvanishedfromyourcountenance！Benotafraidofme，Kate！
Bealwaysfrankwithme，andwithoutdeceit；thenIshallalwaysloveyou，andiniquitywillthenhavenopoweroveryou。Andnow，Kate，tellme，andexplaintome。Youdonotknowthatyouloveme？\"
\"No，Idonotknow，yourmajesty。AndhowshouldIbeabletorecognize，andknow，anddesignatebynamewhatisstrangetome，andwhatIhaveneverbeforefelt？\"
\"How，youhaveneverloved，Kate？\"askedthekingwithajoyfulexpression。
\"Never。Myfathermaltreatedme，sothatIcouldfeelforhimnothingbutdreadandterror。\"
\"Andyourhusband，child？Thatmanwhowasmypredecessorinthepossessionofyou。Didyounotloveyourhusbandeither？\"
\"Myhusband？\"askedsheabstractedly。\"Itistrue，myfathersoldmetoLordNeville，andasthepriesthadjoinedourhands，mencalledhimmyhusband。ButheverywellknewthatIdidnotlovehim，nordidherequiremylove。Heneededanurse，notawife。Hehadgivenmehisnameasafathergiveshistoadaughter；andIwashisdaughter，atrue，faithful，andobedientdaughter，whojoyfullyfulfilledherdutyandtendedhimtillhisdeath。\"
\"Andafterhisdeath，child？Yearshaveelapsedsincethen，Kate。
Tellme，andIconjureyou，tellmethetruth，thesimple，plaintruth！Afterthedeathofyourhusband，theneven，didyouneverlove？\"
Hegazedwithvisibleanxiety，withbreathlessexpectation，deepintohereyes；butshedidnotdropthem。
\"Sire，\"saidshe，withacharmingsmile，\"tillafewweekspast，I
haveoftenmournedovermyself；anditseemedtomethatImust，inthedesperationofmysingularandcoldnature，layopenmybreast，inordertosearchtherefortheheart，which，senselessandcold，hadneverbetrayeditsexistencebyitsstrongerbeating。Oh，sire，Iwasfulloftroubleaboutmyself；andinmyfoolishrashness，I
accusedHeavenofhavingrobbedmeofthenoblestfeelingandthefairestprivilegeofanywoman——thecapacityofloving。\"
\"Tillthepastfewweeks，didyousay，Kate？\"askedtheking，breathlesswithemotion。
\"Yes，sire，untilthedayonwhichyou，forthefirsttime，graciouslyaffordedmethehappinessofspeakingwithme。\"
Thekingutteredalowcry，anddrewCatharine，withimpetuousvehemence，intohisarms。
\"Andsince，tellmenow，youdearlittledove，sincethen，doesyourheartthrob？\"
\"Yes，sire，itthrobs，oh，itoftenthrobstobursting！WhenIhearyourvoice，whenIbeholdyourcountenance，itisasifacoldtremorrilledthroughmywholebeing，anddroveallmybloodtotheheart。Itisasthoughmyheartanticipatedyourapproachbeforemyeyesdiscernyou。Forevenbeforeyoudrawnearme，Ifeelapeculiartremblingoftheheart，andthebreathisstifledinmybosom；thenIalwaysknowthatyouarecoming，andthatyourpresencewillrelievethispeculiartensionofmybeing。WhenyouarenotbymeIthinkofyou，andwhenIsleepIdreamofyou。Tellme，sire，youwhoknoweverything，tellme，knowyounowwhetherI
loveyou？\"
\"Yes，yes，youloveme，\"criedHenry，towhomthisstrangeandjoyoussurprisehadimpartedyouthfulvivacityandwarmth。\"Yes，Kate，youloveme；andifImaytrustyourdearconfession，Iamyourfirstlove。Repeatityetagain；youwerenothingbutadaughtertoLordNeville？\"
\"Nothingmore，sire！\"
\"Andafterhimhaveyouhadnolove？\"
\"None，sire！\"
\"Andcanitbethatsohappyamarvelhascometopass？andthatI
havemade，notawidow，butayoungmaiden，myqueen？\"
Ashenowgazedatherwithwarm，passionate，tenderlooks，Catharinecastdownhereyes，andadeepblushcoveredhersweetface。
\"Ah，awoman\'sbashfulblushes，whatanexquisitesight！\"criedtheking，andwhilehewildlypressedCatharinetohisbosom，hecontinued:\"Oh，arewenotfoolishandshort-sightedmen，allofus，yes，evenwekings？InorderthatImightnotbe，perhaps，forcedtosendmysixthwifealsotothescaffold，Ichose，intremblingdreadofthedeceitfulnessofyoursex，awidowformyqueen，andthiswidowwithablessedconfession，mocksatthenewlawofthewiseParliament，andmakesgoodtomewhatsheneverpromised。\"
[Footnote:AfterCatharineHoward\'sinfidelityandincontinencyhadbeenproved，andshehadatonedforthembyherdeath，Parliamentenactedalaw\"thatifthekingorhissuccessorsshouldintendtomarryanywomanwhomtheytooktobeacleanandpuremaid——ifshe，notbeingso，didnotdeclarethesametotheking，itshouldbehightreason:andallwhoknewit；anddidnotrevealit，wereguiltyofmisprisionoftreason。\"——\"Burnet\'sHistoryoftheReformationoftheChurchofEngland。\"London，1681vol。i，p。
313]
\"Come，Kate，givemeakiss。Youhaveopenedbeforemeto-dayahappy，blissfulfuture，andpreparedformeagreatandunexpectedpleasure。Ithankyouforit，Kate，andtheMotherofGodbemywitness，Iwillneverforgetit。\"
Anddrawingarichdiamondringfromhisownfinger，andputtingituponCatharine\'s，hecontinued:\"Bethisringaremembrancerofthishour，andwhenyouhereafterpresentittome，witharequest，I
willgrantthatrequest，Kate！\"
Hekissedherforehead，andwasabouttopresshermorecloselyinhisarms，whensuddenlyfromwithoutwasheardthedullrollofdrums，andtheringingofbells。
ThekingstartedamomentandreleasedCatharinefromhisarms。Helistened；therollofdrumscontinued，andnowandthenwasheardinthedistance，thatpeculiarthunderingandyetsullensound，whichsomuchresemblestheroarandrushofthesea，andwhichcanbeproducedonlybyalargeandexcitedmob。
Theking，withafiercecurse，pushedopentheglassdoorleadingtothebalcony，andwalkedout。
Catharinegazedafterhimwithastrange，half-timid，half-scornfullook。\"IhavenotatleasttoldhimthatIlovehim，\"mutteredshe。
\"Hehasconstruedmywordsasitsuitedhisvanity。Nomatter。I
willnotdieonthescaffold！\"
Witharesolutestep，andfirm，energeticair，shefollowedthekingtothebalcony。Therollofdrumswaskeptup，andfromallthesteeplesthebellswerepealing。Thenightwasdarkandcalm。AllLondonseemedtoslumber，andthedarkhousesaroundaboutstoodupoutoftheuniversaldarknesslikehugecoffins。
Suddenlythehorizonbegantogrowbright，andontheskyappearedastreakoffieryred，which，blazinguphigherandhigher，soonilluminatedtheentirehorizonwithacrimsonglow，andevensheditsglaringfierybeamsoverthebalconyonwhichstoodtheroyalpair。Stillthebellsclangedandclamored；andblendedwiththeirpealswasheardnowandthen，inthedistance，apiercingshriekandaclamorasofthousandsandthousandsofconfusedlymingledvoices。
SuddenlythekingturnedtoCatharine，andhiscountenance，whichwasjustthenoverspreadbythefire-lightaswithablood-redveil，hadnowassumedanexpressionofsavage，demoniacaldelight。
\"Ah，\"saidhe，\"Iknowwhatitis。Youhadwhollybewilderedme，andstolenawaymyattention，youlittleenchantress。Ihadforamomentceasedtobeaking，becauseIwishedtobeentirelyyourlover。ButnowIbethinkmeagainofmyavengingsovereignty！Itisthefagot-
pilesaboutthestakewhichflamesomerrilyyonder。AndthatyellingandclamorindicatethatmymerrypeopleareenjoyingwithalltheirsoulthecomedywhichIhavehadplayedbeforethemto-
day，forthehonorofGod，andmyunimpeachableroyaldignity。\"
\"Thestake！\"criedCatharine，trembling。\"Yourmajestydoesnotmeantherebytosaythatrightyonder，menaretodieacruel，painfuldeath——thatthesamehourinwhichtheirkingpronounceshimselfhappyandcontent，someofhissubjectsaretobecondemnedtodreadfultorture，toahorribledestruction！Oh，no！mykingwillnotovercloudhisqueen\'swedding-daywithsodarkaveilofdeath。
Hewillnotwishtodimmyhappinesssocruelly。\"
Thekinglaughed。\"No，Iwillnotdarkenit，butlightitupwithbrightnames，\"saidhe；andas，withoutstretchedarm，hepointedovertotheglaringheavens，hecontinued:\"Thereareourwedding-
torches，myKate，andthemostsacredandbeautifulwhichIcouldfind，fortheyburntothehonorofGodandoftheking。[Footnote:
\"LifeofKingHenrytheEighth，foundedonAuthenticandOriginalDocuments。\"ByPatrickFraserTytler。Edinburgh，1887，p。440。]
AndtheheavenwardflaringflameswhichcarriesupthesoulsofthehereticswillgivetomyGodjoyousintelligenceofHismostfaithfulandobedientson，who，evenonthedayofhishappiness，forgetsnothiskinglyduty，buteverremainstheavenginganddestroyingministerofhisGod。\"
Helookedfrightfulashethusspoke。Hiscountenance，litupbythefire，hadafierce，threateningexpression；hiseyesblazed；andacold，cruelsmileplayedabouthisthin，firmly-pressedlips。
\"Oh，heknowsnopity！\"murmuredCatharinetoherself，asinaparoxysmofanguishshestaredattheking，who，infanaticalenthusiasm，waslookingovertowardthefire，intowhich，athiscommand，theywereperhapshurlingtoacruel，torturingdeath，somepoorwretch，tothehonorofGodandtheking。\"No，heknowsnopityandnomercy。\"
NowHenryturnedtoher，andlayinghisextendedhandsoftlyonthebackofherslenderneck，hespanneditwithhisfingers，andwhisperedinhereartenderwordsandvowsoflove。
Catharinetrembled。Thiscaressoftheking，howeverharmlessinitself，hadinitforhersomethingdismalanddreadful。Itwastheinvoluntary，instinctivetouchoftheheadsman，whoexaminestheneckofhisvictim，andsearchesonitfortheplacewherehewillmakethestroke。ThushadAnneBoleynonceputhertenderwhitehandsaboutherslenderneck，andsaidtotheheadsman，broughtoverfromCalaisspeciallyforherexecution:\"Iprayyoustrikemewellandsurely！Ihave，indeed，butaslimlittleneck。\"[Footnote:
Tytler，p。382]ThushadthekingclutchedhishandabouttheneckofCatharineHoward，hisfifthwifewhencertainofherinfidelity，hehadthrustherfromhimselfwithfierceexecrations，whenshewouldhaveclungtohim。Thedarkmarksofthatgripwerestillvisibleuponherneckwhenshelaiditontheblock。[Footnote:
Leti，vol。i，p。193]
AndthisdreadfultwiningofhisfingersCatharinemustnowendureasacaress；atwhichshemustsmile，whichshemustreceivewithalltheappearanceofdelight。
Whilehespannedherneck，hewhisperedinherearwordsoftenderness，andbenthisfaceclosetohercheeks。
ButCatharineheedednothispassionatewhispers。Shesawnothingsavetheblood-redhandwritingoffireuponthesky。Sheheardnothingsavetheshrieksofthewretchedvictims。
\"Mercy，mercy！\"falteredshe。\"Oh，letthisdaybeadayoffestivityforallyoursubjects！Bemerciful，andifyouwouldhavemereallybelievethatyouloveme，grantthisfirstrequestwhichI
makeofyou。Grantmethelivesofthesewretchedones。Mercy，sire，mercy！\"
Andasifthequeen\'ssupplicationhadfoundanecho，suddenlywasheardfromthechamberawailing，despairingvoice，repeatingloudlyandintonesofanguish:\"Mercy，yourmajesty，mercy！\"Thekingturnedroundimpetuously，andhisfaceassumedadark，wrathfulexpression。HefastenedhissearchingeyesonCatharine，asthoughhewouldreadinherlookswhethersheknewwhohaddaredtointerrupttheirconversation。
ButCatharine\'scountenanceexpressedunconcealedastonishment。
\"Mercy，mercy！\"repeatedthevoicefromtheinteriorofthechamber。
Thekingutteredanangryexclamation，andhastilywithdrewfromthebalcony。
CHAPTERIV。
KINGBYTHEWRATHOFGOD。
\"Whodaresinterruptus？\"criedtheking，aswithheadlongstephereturnedtothechamber——\"whodaresspeakofmercy？\"
\"Idare！\"saidayounglady，who，pale，withdistortedfeatures，infrightfulagitation，nowhastenedtothekingandprostratedherselfbeforehim。\"AnneAskew！\"criedCatharine，amazed。\"Anne，whatwantyouhere？\"
\"Iwantmercy，mercyforthosewretchedones，whoaresufferingyonder，\"criedtheyoungmaiden，pointingwithanexpressionofhorrortothereddenedsky。\"Iwantmercyforthekinghimself，whoissocruelastosendthenoblestandthebestofhissubjectstotheslaughterlikemiserablebrutes！\"
\"Oh，sire，havecompassiononthispoorchild！\"besoughtCatharine，turningtoHenry，\"compassiononherimpassionedexcitementandheryouthfulardor！Sheisasyetunaccustomedtothesefrightfulscenes——sheknowsnotyetthatitisthesaddutyofkingstobeconstrainedtopunish，wheretheymightprefertopardon！\"
Henrysmiled；butthelookwhichhecastonthekneelinggirlmadeCatharinetremble。Therewasadeath-warrantinthatlook！
\"AnneAskew，ifImistakenot，isyoursecondmaidofhonor？\"askedtheking；\"anditwasatyourexpresswishthatshereceivedthatplace？\"
\"Yessire。\"
\"Youknewher，then？\"
\"No，sire！Isawherafewdaysagoforthefirsttime。Butshehadalreadywonmyheartatourfirstmeeting，andIfeelthatIshallloveher。Exerciseforbearance，then，yourmajesty！\"
Butthekingwasstillthoughtful，andCatharine\'sanswersdidnotyetsatisfyhim。
\"Why，then，doyouinterestyourselfforthisyounglady，ifyoudidnotknowher？\"
\"Shehasbeensowarmlyrecommendedtome。\"
\"Bywhom？\"
Catharinehesitatedamoment；shefeltthatshehad，perhaps，inherzeal，gonetoofar，andthatitwasimprudenttotellthekingthetruth。Buttheking\'skeen，penetratinglookwasrestingonher，andsherecollectedthathehad，thefirstthingthatevening，sourgentlyandsolemnlyconjuredhertoalwaystellhimthetruth。
Besides，itwasnosecretatcourtwhotheprotectorofthisyoungmaidenwas，andwhohadbeenthemeansofherobtainingtheplaceofmaidofhonortothequeen，aplacewhichsomanywealthyanddistinguishedfamilieshadsolicitedfortheirdaughters。
\"Whorecommendedthisladytoyou？\"repeatedtheking，andalreadyhisill-humorbegantoreddenhisface，andmakehisvoicetremble。
\"ArchbishopCranmerdidso，sire，\"saidCatharineassheraisedhereyestotheking，andlookedathimwithasmilesurpassinglycharming。
Atthatmomentwasheardwithout，moreloudly，therollofdrums，whichneverthelesswaspartiallydrownedbypiercingshrieksandhorriblecriesofdistress。Theblazeofthefireshotuphigher，andnowwasseenthebrightflame，whichwithmurderousragelickedtheskyabove。
AnneAskew，whohadkeptrespectfulsilenceduringtheconversationoftheroyalpair，nowfeltherselfcompletelyovercomebythishorriblesight，andbereftofthelastremnantofself-possession。
\"MyGod，myGod！\"saidshe，quiveringfromtheinternaltremor，andstretchingherhandsbeseechinglytowardtheking，\"doyounothearthatfrightfulwailofthewretched？Sire，bythethoughtofyourowndyinghour，Iconjureyouhavecompassiononthesemiserablebeings！Letthemnot，atleast，bethrownaliveintotheflames。
Sparethemthislastfrightfultorture。\"
KingHenrycastawrathfullookonthekneelinggirl；thenstrodepasthertothedoor，whichledintotheadjoininghall，inwhichthecourtierswerewaitingfortheirking。
Hebeckonedtothetwobishops，CranmerandGardiner，tocomenearer，andorderedtheservantstothrowthehalldoorswideopen。
Thescenenowaffordedananimatedandsingularspectacle，andthischamber，justbeforesoquiet，wassuddenlychangedtothetheatreofagreatdrama，whichwasperhapstoendtragically。Inthequeen\'sbedchamber，asmallroom，butfurnishedwiththeutmostluxuryandsplendor，theprincipalcharactersofthisscenewerecongregated。Inthemiddleofthespacestoodthekinginhisrobes，embroideredwithgoldandsparklingwithjewels，whichwereirradiatedbythebrightlightofthechandelier。Nearhimwasseentheyoungqueen，whosebeautifulandlovelyfacewasturnedinanxiousexpectationtowardtheking，inwhosesternandrigidfeaturesshesoughttoreadthedevelopmentofthisscene。
Notfarfromherstillknelttheyoungmaiden，hidinginherhandsherfacedrenchedintears；whilefartheraway，inthebackground，werethetwobishopsobservingwithgrave，cooltranquillitythegroupbeforethem。Throughtheopenhalldoorsweredescriedtheexpectantandcuriouscountenancesofthecourtiersstandingwiththeirheadscrowdedclosetogetherinthespacebeforethedoors；
andoppositetothem，throughtheopendoorleadingtothebalcony，wasseenthefiery，blazingsky，andheardtheclangingofthebellsandtherollingofthedrama，thepiercingshrieksandtheyellsofthepeople。
Adeepsilenceensued，andwhenthekingspoke，thetoneofhisvoicewassohardandcold，thataninvoluntaryshudderranthroughallpresent。
\"MyLordBishopsofWinchesterandCanterbury，\"saidtheking。\"wehavecalledyouthatyoumay，bythemightofyourprayersandthewisdomofyourwords，ridthisyounggirlherefromthedevil，who，withoutdoubt，hasthemasteryoverher，sinceshedareschargeherkingandmasterwithcrueltyandinjustice。\"
Thetwobishopsdrewnearertothekneelinggirl；eachlaidahanduponhershoulder，andbentoverher，buttheonewithanexpressionofcountenancewhollydifferentfromthatoftheother。