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