\"Andwhoisthiswoman？\"
\"Itisthequeen。\"
\"Thequeen！\"criedThomasSeymour，withsuchanexpressionofhorrorthatElizabethtrembled；\"thequeenyourconfidante？Butthatisimpossible！Thatwouldbeplungingusbothinevitablyintoruin。
Unhappychild，beverycarefulnottomentionevenasingleword，asyllableofyourrelationtome。Beverycarefulnottobetraytoher，evenbytheslightestintimation，thatThomasSeymourisnotindifferenttoyou！Ah，herwrathwoulddashtopiecesyouandme！\"
\"Andwhydoyoubelievethat？\"askedElizabeth，gloomily。\"WhydoyousupposethatCatharinewouldflyintoapassionbecauseEarlSeymourlovesme？Orhow？——itisshe，perhaps，thatyoulove，andyoudarenotthereforeletherknowthatyouhaveswornyourlovetomealso？Ah，Inowseethroughitall；Iunderstanditall！Youlovethequeen——heronly。Forthatreasonyouwillnotgotothechapelwithme；forthatreasonyousworethatyouwouldnotmarrytheDuchessofRichmond；andtherefore——oh，mypresentimentdidnotdeceiveme——thereforethatfuriousrideinEppingForestto-day。Ah，thequeen\'shorsemustofcoursebecomeraving，andrunaway，thathislordship，themasterofhorse，mightfollowhislady，andwithhergotlostinthethicketofthewoods！——Andnow，\"saidshe，hereyesflashingwithanger，andraisingherhandtoheavenasiftakinganoath，\"nowIsaytoyou:Takeheedtoyourself！Takeheedtoyourself，Seymour，thatyoudonot，evenbyasinglewordorasinglesyllable，betrayyoursecret，forthatwordwouldcrushyou！
Yes，Ifeelit，thatIamnobastard，thatIammyfather\'sowndaughter；Ifeelitinthiswrathandthisjealousythatrageswithinme！Takeheedtoyourself，Seymour，forIwillgohenceandaccuseyoutotheking，andthetraitor\'sheadwillfalluponthescaffold！\"
Shewasbesideherself。Withclenchedfistsandathreateningairshepacedtheroomupanddown。Tearsgushedfromhereyes；butsheshookthemoutofhereyelashes，sothattheyfellscatteringaboutherlikepearls。Herfather\'simpetuousanduntractablenaturestirredwithinher，andhisbloodseethedinherveins。
ButThomasSeymourhadalreadyregainedhisself-commandandcomposure。Heapproachedtheprincessanddespiteherstrugglesclaspedherinhisarms。
\"Littlefool！\"saidhe，betweenhiskisses。\"Sweet，dearfool，howbeautifulyouareinyouranger，andhowIloveyouforit！Jealousyisbecomingtolove；andIdonotcomplain，thoughyouareunjustandcrueltowardme。Thequeenhasmuchtoocoldandproudaheartevertobelovedbyanyman。Ah，onlytothinkthisisalreadytreasontohervirtueandmodesty；andsurelyshehasnotdeservedthisfromustwo，thatweshoulddisdainandinsulther。Sheisthefirstthathasalwaysbeenjusttoyou；andtomeshehaseverbeenonlyagraciousmistress！\"
\"Itistrue，\"murmuredElizabeth，completelyashamed；\"sheisatruefriendandmother；andIhavehertothankformypresentpositionatthiscourt。\"
Then，afterapause，shesaid，smiling，andextendingherhandtotheearl:\"Youareright。Itwouldbeacrimetosuspecther；andI
amafool。Forgiveme，Seymour，forgivemyabsurdandchildishanger；andIpromiseyouinreturntobetrayoursecrettonoone，noteventothequeen。\"
\"Doyouswearthattome？\"
\"Iswearittoyou！andIsweartoyoumorethanthat:Iwillneveragainbejealousofher。\"
\"Thenyoudobutsimplejusticetoyourselfandtothequeenalso，\"
saidtheearl，withasmile，ashedrewheragaintohisarms。
Butshepushedhimgentlyback。\"Imustnowaway。Themorningdawns，andthearchbishopawaitsmeintheroyalchapel。\"
\"Andwhatwillyousaytohim，beloved？\"
\"Iwillmakemyconfessiontohim。\"
\"How！soyouwillthenbetrayourlovetohim？\"
\"Oh，\"saidshe，withabewitchingsmile，\"thatisasecretbetweenusandGod；andonlytoHimalonecanweconfessit；becauseHealonecanabsolveusfromit。Farewell，then，Seymour，farewell，andthinkofmetillweseeeachotheragain！Butwhen——say，whenshallwemeetagain？\"
\"Whenthereisanightlikethisone，beloved，whenthemoonisnotintheheavens。
Oh，thenIcouldwishtherewereachangeofthemooneveryweek，\"
saidshe，withthecharminginnocenceofachild。\"Farewell，Seymour，farewell；wemustpart。\"
Sheclungtohistall，sturdyformastheivytwinesaroundthetrunkofanoak。Thentheyparted。Theprincessslippedagainsoftlyandunseenintoherapartments，andthenceintotheroyalchapel；
theearldescendedagainthespiralstaircasewhichledtothesecretdoorofthegarden。
Unobservedandunseenhereturnedtohispalace；evenhisvalet，whosleptintheanteroom，didnotseehim，astheearlcreptpasthimlightlyonhistoes，andbetookhimselftohissleeping-room。
Butnosleepcametohiseyesthatnight，andhissoulwasrestlessandfulloffiercetorment。Hewasangrywithhimself，andaccusedhimselfoftreacheryandperfidy；andthenagain，fullofproudhaughtiness，hestilltriedtoexcusehimselfandtosilencehisconscience，whichwassittinginjudgmentonhim。
\"Iloveher——heronly！\"saidhetohimself。\"Catharinepossessesmyheart，mysoul；Iamreadytodevotemywholelifetoher。Yes，I
loveher！Ihavethisdaysosworntoher；andsheismineforalleternity！\"
\"AndElizabeth？\"askedhisconscience。\"Haveyounotsworntruthandlovetoheralso？\"
\"No！\"saidhe。\"Ihaveonlyreceivedheroath；Ihavenotgivenhermineinreturn。AndwhenIvowednevertomarrytheDuchessofRichmond；whenIsworethis\'bymylove，\'thenIthoughtonlyofCatharine——ofthatproud，beautiful，charmingwoman，atoncemaidenlyandvoluptuous；butnotofthisyoung，inexperienced，wildchild——ofthisunattractivelittleprincess！\"
\"Buttheprincessmayonedaybecomeaqueen，\"whisperedhisambition。
\"That，however，isverydoubtful，\"repliedhetohimself。\"ButitiscertainthatCatharinewillonedaybetheregent，andifIamatthattimeherhusband，thenIamRegentofEngland。\"
Thiswasthesecretofhisduplicityandhisdoubletreachery。
ThomasSeymourlovednothingbuthimself，nothingbuthisambition。
Hewascapableofriskinghislifeforawoman；butforrenownandgreatnesshewouldhavegladlysacrificedthiswoman。
Forhimtherewasonlyoneaim，onestruggle:tobecomegreatandpowerfulaboveallthenoblesofthekingdom——tobethefirstmaninEngland。Andtoreachthisaim，hewouldbeafraidofnomeans；hewouldshrinkfromnotreacheryandnosin。
LikethedisciplesofLoyola，hesaid，injustificationofhimself，\"theendsanctifiesthemeans。\"
Andthusforhimeverymeanswasrightwhichconductedhimtotheend；thatistosay，togreatnessandglory。
Hewasfirmlyconvincedthathelovedthequeenardently；andinhisnoblerhourshedidreallyloveher。Dependingonthemoment，asonofthehour，inhimfeelingandwillvariedwiththerapidityoflightning，andheeverwaswhollyandcompletelythatwithwhichthemomentinflamedhim。
When，therefore，hestoodbeforethequeen，hedidnotliewhenhesworethathelovedherpassionately。Hereallylovedher，withdoublewarmth，sinceshehadtohismindinsomesortidentifiedherselfwithhisambition。Headoredher，becauseshewasthemeansthatmightconducthimtohisend；becauseshemightsomedayholdinherhandsthesceptreofEngland。Andonthedaywhenthiscametopass，hewishedtobeherloverandherlord。Shehadacceptedhimasherlord，andhewasentirelycertainofhisfuturesway。
Consequentlyhelovedthequeen，buthisproudandambitiousheartcouldneverbesocompletelyanimatedbyoneloveasthatthereshouldnotberoominitforasecond，providedthissecondlovepresentedhimafavorablechancefortheattainmentoftheaimofhislife。
PrincessElizabethhadthischance。AndifthequeenwouldcertainlybecomeonedayRegentofEngland，yetElizabethmightsomedayperchancebecomequeenthereof。Ofcourse，itwasasyetonlyaperhaps，butonemightmanageoutofthisperhapstomakeareality。
Besides，thisyoung，passionatechildlovedhim，andThomasSeymourwashimselftooyoungandtooeasilyexcitabletobeabletodespisealovethatpresentedhimwithsuchenticingpromisesandbrightdreamsofthefuture。
\"Itdoesnotbecomeamantoliveforlovealone，\"saidhetohimselfashenowthoughtovertheeventsofthenight。\"Hemuststruggleforthehighestandwishtoreachthegreatest，andnomeansofattainingthisendoughthetoleaveunemployed。Besides，myheartislargeenoughtosatisfyatwofoldlove。Ilovethemboth——bothofthesefairwomenwhofetchmeacrown。LetfatedecidetowhichofthetwoIshallonedaybelong！\"
CHAPTERXXII。
HENRYHOWARD，EARLOFSURREY。
Thegreatcourtfestival，solongexpected，wasatlasttotakeplacetoday。Knightsandlordswerepreparingforthetournament；
poetsandscholarsforthefeastofthepoets。Forthewittyandbravekingwishedtounitethetwointhisfestivaltoday，inordertogivetheworldarareandgreatexampleofakingwhocouldclaimallvirtueandwisdomashisown；whocouldbeequallygreatasaheroandasadivine；equallygreatasapoetandasaphilosopherandascholar。
Theknightsweretofightforthehonoroftheirladies；thepoetsweretosingtheirsongs，andJohnHeywoodtobringouthismerryfarces。Ay，eventhegreatscholarsweretohaveapartinthisfestival；forthekinghadspecially，forthis，summonedtoLondonfromCambridge，wherehewasthenprofessorintheuniversity，hisformerteacherintheGreeklanguage，thegreatscholarCroke，towhombelongedthemeritofhavingfirstmadethelearnedworldofGermany，aswellasofEngland，againacquaintedwiththepoetsofGreece。[Footnote:Tytler，p。307。]HewishedtorecitewithCrokesomescenesfromSophoclestohiswonderingcourt；andthough，tobesure，therewasnoonetherewhounderstoodtheGreektongue，yetall，withoutdoubt，mustbeenrapturedwiththewonderfulmusicoftheGreekandtheamazingeruditionoftheking。
Preparationsweregoingoneverywhere；arrangementswerebeingmade；
everyonewasmakinghistoilet，whetheritwerethetoiletofthemindorofthebody。
HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，madehisalso；thatistosay，hehadretiredtohiscabinet，andwasbusyfilingawayatthesonnetswhichheexpectedtoreciteto-day，andinwhichhelaudedthebeautyandthegraceofthefairGeraldine。
Hehadthepaperinhishand，andwaslyingonthevelvetottomanwhichstoodbeforehiswriting-table。
HadLadyJaneDouglasseenhimnow，shewouldhavebeenfilledwithpainfulrapturetoobservehow，withheadleanedbackonthecushion，hislargeblueeyesraiseddreamilytoheaven，hesmiledandwhisperedgentlewords。
Hewaswhollyabsorbedinsweetreminiscences；hewasthinkingofthoserapturous，blessedhourswhichheafewdaysbeforehadspentwithhisGeraldine；andashethoughtofthemheadoredher，andrepeatedtoheranewinhismindhisoathofeternalloveandinviolabletruth。
Hisenthusiasticspiritwascompletelyfilledwithasweetmelancholy；andhefeltperfectlyintoxicatedbythemagicalhappinessaffordedhimbyhisGeraldine。
Shewashis——hisatlast！Afterstrugglessolongandpainful，aftersuchbitterrenunciation，andsuchmournfulresignation，happinesshadatlastarisenforhim；theneverexpectedhadatlastbecomeindeedareality。Catharinelovedhim。Withasacredoathshehadsworntohimthatshewouldonedaybecomehiswife；thatshewouldbecomehiswifebeforeGodandman。
Butwhenisthedaytocomeonwhichhemayshowhertotheworldashisconsort？Whenwillshebeatlengthrelievedfromtheburdenofherroyalcrown？Whenatlengthwillfallfromherthosegoldenchainsthatbindhertoatyrannicalandbloodthirstyhusband——tothecruelandarrogantking？WhenwillCatharineatlengthceasetobequeen，inordertobecomeLadySurrey？
Strange！Asheaskedhimselfthis，thereranoverhimashudder，andanunaccountabledreadfelluponhissoul。
Itseemedtohimasifavoicewhisperedtohim:\"Thouwiltneverlivetoseethatday！Theking，oldasheis，willneverthelesslivelongerthanthou！Preparethyselftodie，fordeathisalreadyatthydoor！\"
Anditwasnotthefirsttimethathehadheardthatvoice。Oftenbeforeithadspokentohim，andalwayswiththesamewords，thesamewarning。Oftenitseemedtohiminhisdreamsasifhefeltacuttingpainabouttheneck；andhehadseenascaffold，fromwhichhisownheadwasrollingdown。
HenryHowardwassuperstitious；forhewasapoet，andtopoetsitisgiventoperceivethemysteriousconnectionbetweenthevisibleandtheinvisibleworld；tobelievethatsupernaturalpowersandinvisibleformssurroundman，andeitherprotecthimorelsecursehim。
Therewerehoursinwhichhebelievedintherealityofhisdreams——
inwhichhedidnotdoubtofthatmelancholyandhorriblefatewhichtheyforetold。
Formerlyhehadgivenhimselfuptoitwithsmilingresignation；butnow——sincehelovedCatharine，sinceshebelongedtohim——nowhewouldnotdie。Now，whenlifeheldouttohimitsmostenchantingenjoyments，itsintoxicatingdelights——nowhewouldnotleavethem——
nowhedreadedtodie。Hewasthereforecautiousandprudent；and，knowingtheking\'smalicious，savage，andjealouscharacter，hehadalwaysbeenextremelycarefultoavoideverythingthatmightexcitehim，thatmightarousetheroyalhyenafromhisslumbers。
Butitseemedtohimasthoughthekingborehimandhisfamilyaspecialspite；asthoughhecouldneverforgivethemthattheconsortwhomhemostloved，andwhohadthemostbitterlywrongedhim，hadsprungfromtheirstock。Intheking\'severywordandeverylook，HenryHowardfeltandwassensibleofthissecretresentmentoftheking；hesuspectedthatHenrywasonlywatchingforthefavorablemomentwhenhecouldseizeandstranglehim。
Hewasthereforeonhisguard。Fornow，whenGeraldinelovedhim，hislifebelongednolongertohimselfalone；shelovedhim；shehadaclaimonhim；hisdayswere，therefore，hallowedinhisowneyes。
Sohehadkeptsilenceunderthepettyannoyancesandvexationsoftheking。Hehadtakenitevenwithoutmurmuring，andwithoutdemandingsatisfaction，whenthekinghadsuddenlyrecalledhimfromthearmythatwasfightingagainstFrance，andofwhichhewascommander-in-chief，andinhissteadhadsentLordHertford，EarlofSudley，tothearmywhichwasencampedbeforeBoulogneandMontreuil。Hehadquietlyandwithoutresentmentreturnedtohispalace；andsincehecouldnolongerbeageneralandwarrior，hebecameagainascholarandpoet。HispalacewasnowagaintheresortofthescholarsandwritersofEngland；andhewasalwaysready，withtrueprincelymunificence，toassistoppressedanddespisedtalent；toaffordthepersecutedscholaranasyluminhispalace。HeitwaswhosavedthelearnedFoxfromstarvation，andtookhimintohishouse，whereHoratiusJuniusandthepoetChurchyard，afterwardsocelebrated，hadbothfoundahome——theformerashisphysicianandthelatterashispage。[Footnote:Nott\'sLifeoftheEarlofSurrey]
Love，thearts，andthesciences，causedthewoundsthatthekinghadgivenhisambition，tohealover；andhenowfeltnomorerancor；nowhealmostthankedtheking。Fortohisrecallonlydidheowehisgoodfortune；andHenry，whohadwishedtoinjurehim，hadgivenhimhissweetestpleasure。
HenowsmiledashethoughthowHenry，whohadtakenfromhimthebaton，had，withoutknowingit，givenhiminreturnhisownqueen，andhadexaltedhimwhenhewishedtohumblehim。
Hesmiled，andagaintookinhandthepoeminwhichhewishedtocelebrateinsong，atthecourtfestivalthatday，thehonorandpraiseofhislady-love，whomnooneknew，orevensuspected——thefairGeraldine。
\"Theversesarestiff，\"mutteredhe；\"thislanguageissopoor！IthasnotthepowerofexpressingallthatfulnessofadorationandecstasywhichIfeel。Petrarchwasmorefortunateinthisrespect。
Hisbeautiful，flexiblelanguagesoundslikemusic，anditis，evenjustbyitself，theharmoniousaccompanimentofhislove。Ah，Petrarch，Ienvythee，andyetwouldnotbelikethee。Forthinewasamournfulandbitter-sweetlot。Lauraneverlovedthee；andshewasthemotheroftwelvechildren，notasingleoneofwhombelongedtothee。\"
Helaughedwithasenseofhisownproudsuccessinlove，andseizedPetrarch\'ssonnets，whichlaynearhimonthetable，tocomparehisownnewsonnetwithasimilaroneofPetrarch\'s。
Hewassoabsorbedinthesemeditations，thathehadnotatallobservedthatthehangingwhichconcealedthedoorbehindhimwaspushedaside，andamarvellousyoungwoman，resplendentwithdiamondsandsparklingwithjewelry，enteredhiscabinet。
Foraninstantshestoodstilluponthethreshold，andwithasmileobservedtheearl，whowasmoreandmoreabsorbedinhisreading。
Shewasofimposingbeauty；herlargeeyesblazedandglowedlikeavolcano；herloftybrowseemedinallrespectsdesignedtowearacrown。And，indeed，itwasaducalcoronetthatsparkledonherblackhair，whichinlongringletscurleddowntoherfull，voluptuousshoulders。Hertallandmajesticformwascladinawhitesatindress，richlytrimmedwithermineandpearls；twoclaspsofcostlybrilliantsheldfasttohershouldersthesmallmantillaofcrimsonvelvet，facedwithermine，whichcoveredherbackandfelldowntoherwaist。
ThusappearedtheDuchessofRichmond，thewidowofKingHenry\'snaturalson，HenryRichmond；thesisterofLordHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey；andthedaughterofthenobleDukeofNorfolk。
Sinceherhusbandhaddiedandleftherawidowattwenty，sheresidedinherbrother\'spalace，andhadplacedherselfunderhisprotection，andintheworldtheywereknownas\"theaffectionatebrotherandsister。\"
Ah，howlittleknewtheworld，whichiseverwonttojudgefromappearances，ofthehatredandtheloveofthesetwo；howlittlesuspicionhaditoftherealsentimentsofthisbrotherandsister！
HenryHowardhadofferedhissisterhispalaceasherresidence，becausehehopedbyhispresencetolayonherimpulsiveandvoluptuousdispositionarestraintwhichshouldcompelhernottooversteptheboundsofcustomanddecency。LadyRichmondhadacceptedthisofferofhispalacebecauseshewasobligedto；
inasmuchastheavaraciousandparsimoniouskinggavehisson\'swidowonlyameagreincome，andherownmeansshehadsquanderedandlavishlythrownawayuponherlovers。
HenryHowardhadthusactedforthehonorofhisname；buthelovednothissister；nay，hedespisedher。ButtheDuchessofRichmondhatedherbrother，becauseherproudheartfelthumbledbyhim，andunderobligationsofgratitude。
Buttheirhatredandtheircontemptwereasecretthattheybothpreservedinthedepthsoftheheart，andwhichtheyscarcelydaredconfesstothemselves。Bothhadveiledthistheirinmostfeelingwithashowofaffection，andonlyonceinawhilewasonebetrayedtotheotherbysomelightlydroppedwordorunregardedlook。
CHAPTERXXIII。
BROTHERANDSISTER。
Lightlyonthetipsofhertoestheduchessstoletowardherbrother，whodidnotyetobserveher。ThethickTurkishcarpetmadeherstepsinaudible。Shealreadystoodbehindtheearl，andhehadnotyetnoticedher。
Nowshebentoverhisshoulder，andfastenedhersparklingeyesonthepaperinherbrother\'shand。
Thenshereadinaloud，sonorousvoicethetitleofit:\"Complaint，becauseGeraldinenevershowsherselftoherloverunlesscoveredbyherveil。\"[Footnote:SonnetbySurrey——SeeNott\'sLifeandWorksofSurrey。]\"Ah，\"saidtheduchess，laughing，\"now，then，Ihavespiedoutyoursecret，andyoumustsurrendertomeatdiscretion。
Soyouareinlove；andGeraldineisthenameofthechosenonetowhomyouaddressyourpoems！Isweartoyou，mybrother，youwillrepaymedearforthissecret。\"
\"Itisnosecretatall，sister，\"saidtheearl，withaquietsmile，asherosefromthedivanandsalutedtheduchess。\"Itissolittleasecret，thatIshallrecitethissonnetatthecourtfestivalthisveryevening。Ishallnot，therefore，needyoursecrecy，Rosabella。\"
\"SothefairGeraldinenevershowsherselftoyouunlessinadarkveil，blackasthenight，\"saidtheduchess，musingly。\"Buttellme，brother，whothenisthefairGeraldine？Oftheladiesatcourt，I
knownotasingleonewhobearsthatname。\"
\"Soyouseefromthat，thewholeisonlyafiction——acreationofmyfancy。\"
\"No，indeed，\"saidshe，smiling；\"onedoesnotwritewithsuchwarmthandenthusiasmunlessheisreallyinlove。Yousingyourlady-love，andyougiveheranothername。Thatisveryplain。Donotdenyit，Henry，forIknowindeedthatyouhavealady-love。Itmaybereadinyoureyes。Andlookyou！itisonaccountofthisdearonethatIhavecometoyou。Itpainsme，Henry，thatyouhavenoconfidenceinme，andallowmenoshareinyourjoysandsorrows。Doyounotknow，then，howtenderlyIloveyou，mydear，noblebrother？\"
Sheputherarmtenderlyroundhisneck，andwantedtokisshim。Hebenthisheadback，andlayinghishandonherrosy，roundchin，helookedinquiringlyandsmilinglyintohereyes。
\"Youwantsomethingofme，Rosabella！\"saidhe。\"Ihaveneveryetenjoyedyourtendernessandsisterlyaffection，exceptwhenyouneededmyservices。\"
\"Howsuspiciousyouare！\"criedshe，withacharmingpout，assheshookhishandawayfromherface。\"Ihavecomefromwhollydisinterestedsympathy；partlytowarnyou，partlytofindoutwhetheryourloveisperchancefixeduponaladythatwouldrendermywarninguseless。\"
\"Well，soyousee，Rosabella，thatIwasright，andthatyourtendernesswasnotaimless。Now，then，youwanttowarnme？IhaveyettolearnthatIneedanywarning。\"
\"Nay，brother！Foritwouldcertainlybeverydangerousandmischievousforyou，ifyourloveshouldchancenottobeinaccordancewiththecommandoftheking。\"
AmomentaryflushspreadoverHenryHoward\'sface，andhisbrowdarkened。
\"Withtheking\'scommand？\"askedhe，inastonishment。\"IdidnotknowthatHenrytheEighthcouldcontrolmyheart。And，atanyrate，Iwouldneverconcedehimthatright。Sayquickly，then，sister，whatisit？Whatmeansthisabouttheking\'scommand，andwhatmatrimonialschemehaveyouwomenbeenagaincontriving？ForIwellknowthatyouandmymotherhavenorestwiththethoughtofseeingmestillunmarried。Youwanttobestowonme，whetherorno，thehappinessofmarriage；yet，nevertheless，itappearstomethatyoubothhavesufficientlylearnedfromexperiencethatthishappinessisonlyimaginary，andthatmarriageinrealityis，attheveryleast，thevestibuleofhell。\"
\"Itistrue，\"laughedtheduchess；\"theonlyhappymomentofmymarriedlifewaswhenmyhusbanddied。ForinthatIammorefortunatethanmymother，whohashertyrantstilllivingabouther。
Ah，howIpitymymother！\"
\"Darenottorevileournoblefather！\"criedtheearl，almostthreateningly。\"Godaloneknowshowmuchhehassufferedfromourmother，andhowmuchhestillsuffers。Heisnottoblameforthisunhappymarriage。Butyouhavenotcometotalkoverthesesadanddisgracefulfamilymatters，sister！Youwishtowarnme，didyousay？\"
\"Yes，warnyou！\"saidtheduchess，tenderly，asshetookherbrother\'shandandledhimtotheottoman。\"Come，letussitdownhere，Henry，andletusforoncechatconfidentiallyandcordially，asbecomesbrotherandsister。Tellme，whoisGeraldine？\"
\"Aphantom，anideal！Ihavetoldyouthatalready。\"
\"Youreallylove，then，noladyatthiscourt？\"
\"No，none！Thereisamongalltheseladies，withwhomthequeenhassurroundedherself，notonewhomIamabletolove。\"
\"Ah，yourheartthenisfree，Henry；andyouwillbesomuchmoreeasilyinclinedtocomplywiththeking\'swish。\"
\"Whatdoesthekingwish？\"
Shelaidherheadonherbrother\'sshoulder，andsaidinalowwhisper:\"ThattheHowardandSeymourfamiliesbeatlastreconciled；thatatlasttheymayreconcilethehatred，whichhasforcenturiesseparatedthem，bymeansofafirmandsincerebondoflove。\"
\"Ah，thekingwantsthat！\"criedtheearl，scornfully。
\"Forsooth，now，hehasmadeagoodbeginningtowardbringingaboutthisreconciliation。HehasinsultedmebeforeallEurope，byremovingmefrommycommand，andinvestingaSeymourwithmyrankanddignity；andherequiresthatIinreturnshalllovethisarrogantearl，whohasrobbedmeofwhatismydue；whohaslongintriguedandbesiegedtheking\'searswithliesandcalumnies，tillhehasgainedhisendandsupplantedme。\"
\"Itistruethekingrecalledyoufromthearmy；butthiswasdoneinordertogiveyouthefirstplaceathiscourt——toappointyoulordchamberlaintothequeen。\"
HenryHowardtrembledandwassilent。\"Itistrue，\"hethenmuttered；\"Iamobligedtothekingforthisplace。\"
\"Andthen，\"continuedtheduchess，withaninnocentair，\"thenIdonotbelieveeitherthatLordHertfordistoblameforyourrecall。
Toprovethistoyou，hehasmadeaproposaltotheking，andtomealso，whichistotestifytoyouandtoalltheworldhowgreatanhonorLordHertfordesteemsittobealliedtotheHowards，andaboveallthingstoyou，bythemostsacredbonds。\"
\"Ah，thatnoble，magnanimouslord！\"criedHenryHoward，withabitterlaugh。\"Asmattersdonotadvancewellwithlaurels，hetriesthemyrtles；sincehecanwinnobattles，hewantstomakemarriages。Now，sister，letmehearwhathehastopropose。\"
\"Adoublemarriage，Henry。HeasksmyhandforhisbrotherThomasSeymour，providedyouchoosehissister，LadyMargaret，foryourwife。\"
\"Never！\"criedtheearl。\"NeverwillHenryHowardpresenthishandtoadaughterofthathouse；nevercondescendsofarastoelevateaSeymourtobehiswife。Thatiswellenoughforaking——notforaHoward！
Brother，youinsulttheking！\"
\"Well，Iinsulthim，then！Hehasinsultedme，too，inarrangingthisbasescheme。\"
\"Brother，reflect；theSeymoursarepowerful，andstandhighintheking\'sfavor。\"
\"Yes，intheking\'sfavortheystandhigh！Butthepeopleknowtheirproud，cruel，andarrogantdisposition；andthepeopleandnobilitydespisethem。TheSeymourshavethevoiceofthekingintheirfavor；theHowardsthevoiceofthewholecountry，andthatisofmoreconsequence。ThekingcanexalttheSeymours，fortheystandfarbeneathhim。HecannotexalttheHowards，fortheyarehisequals。Norcanhedegradethem。Catharinediedonthescaffold——thekingbecametherebyonlyahangman——ourescutcheonwasnotsulliedbythatact！\"
\"Theseareveryproudwords，Henry！\"
\"TheybecomeasonoftheNorfolks，Rosabella！Ah，seethatpettyLordHertford，EarlSeymour。Hecovetsaducalcoronetforhissister。Hewantstogivehertometowife；forassoonasourpoorfatherdies，Iwearhiscoronet！Thearrogantupstarts！Forthesister\'sescutcheon，mycoronet；forthebrother\'s，yourcoronet。
Never，sayI，shallthatbe！\"
Theduchesshadbecomepale，andatremorranthroughherproudform。Hereyesflashed，andanangrywordwasalreadysuspendedonherlips；butshestillhelditback。Sheviolentlyforcedherselftocalmnessandself-possession。
\"Consideroncemore，Henry，\"saidshe，\"donotdecideatonce。Youspeakofourgreatness；butyoudonotbearinmindthepoweroftheSeymours。Itellyoutheyarepowerfulenoughtotreadusinthedust，despiteallourgreatness。Andtheyarenotonlypowerfulatthepresent；theywillbesointhefuturealso；foritiswellknowninwhatdispositionandwhatwayofthinkingthePrinceofWalesistrainedup。Thekingisold，weak，andfailing；deathlurksbehindhisthrone，andwillsoonenoughpresshiminhisarms。ThenEdwardisking。Withhim，theheresyofProtestantismtriumphs；andhowevergreatandnumerousourpartymaybe，yetweshallbepowerlessandsubdued。Yes，weshallbetheoppressedandpersecuted。\"
\"Weshallthenknowhowtofight，andifitmustbeso，todiealso！\"criedherbrother。\"Itismorehonorabletodieonthebattle-fieldthantopurchaselifeandhumiliation。\"
\"Yes，itishonorabletodieonthefieldofbattle；but，Henry，itisadisgracetocometoanenduponthescaffold。Andthat，mybrother，maybeyourfate，ifyoudonotthistimebendyourpride；
ifyoudonotgraspthehandthatLordHertfordextendstoyouinreconciliation，butmortallyoffendhim。Hewilltakebloodyvengeance，whenoncehecomesintopower。\"
\"Lethimdoit，ifhecan；mylifeisinGod\'shand！Myheadbelongstotheking，butmyhearttomyself；andthatIwillneverdegradetomerchandise，whichImaybarterforalittlesecurityandroyalfavor。\"
\"Brother，Iconjureyou，considerit！\"criedtheduchess，nolongerabletorestrainherpassionatedisposition，andallablazeinhersavagewrath。\"Darenotinproudarrogancetodestroymyfuturealso！Youmaydieonthescaffold，ifyouchoose；butI——Iwillbehappy；Iwillatlast，aftersomanyyearsofsorrowanddisgrace，havemyshareoflife\'sjoysalso。Itismydue，andIwillnotrelinquishit；andyoushallnotbeallowedtotearitfromme。
Know，then，mybrother，IloveThomasSeymour；allmydesire，allmyhopeisfixedonhim；andIwillnottearthisloveoutofmyheart；
Iwillnotgivehimup。\"
\"Well，ifyoulovehim，marryhim，then！\"exclaimedherbrother。
\"BecomethewifeofthisThomasSeymour！Asktheduke，ourfather，forhisconsenttothismarriage，andIamcertainhewillnotrefuseyou，forheisprudentandcautious，andwill，betterthanI，calculatetheadvantageswhichaconnectionwiththeSeymoursmayyieldourfamily。Dothat，sister，andmarryyourdearlybeloved。I
donothinderyou。\"
\"Yes，youdohinderme——youalone！\"criedhissister，flamingwithwrath。\"YouwillrefuseMargaret\'shand；youwillgivetheSeymoursmortaloffence。YoutherebymakemyunionwithThomasSeymourimpossible！Intheproudselfishnessofyourhaughtiness，youseenotthatyouaredashingtoatomsmyhappiness，whileyouarethinkingonlyofyourdesiretooffendtheSeymours。ButItellyou，IloveThomasSeymour——nay，Iadorehim。Heismyhappiness，myfuture，myeternalbliss。Thereforehavepityonme，Henry！Grantmethishappiness，whichIimploreyouforasHeaven\'sblessing。Provetomethatyouloveme，andarewillingtomakethissacrificeforme。Henry，onmyknees，Iconjureyou！GivemethemanIlove；bendyourproudhead；becomeMargaretSeymour\'shusband，thatThomasSeymourmaybecomemine。\"
Shehadactuallysunkuponherknees；andherfacedelugedwithtears，bewitchinglybeautifulinherpassionateemotion，shelookedupimploringlytoherbrother。
Buttheearldidnotliftherup；onthecontrary，withasmile，hefellbackastep。\"Howlongisitnow，duchess，\"askedhe，mockingly，\"sinceyousworethatyoursecretary，Mr。Wilford，wasthemanwhomyouloved？Positively，Ibelievedyou——IbelievedittillIonedayfoundyouinthearmsofyourpage。Onthatday，I
sworetomyselfnevertobelieveyouagain，thoughyouvowedtome，withanoatheversosacred，thatyoulovedaman。Well，now，youloveaman；butwhatone，isamatterofindifference。To-dayhisnameisThomas，tomorrowArchibald，orEdwardasyouplease！\"
Forthefirsttimetheearldrewtheveilawayfromhisheart，andlethissisterseeallthecontemptandangerthathefelttowardher。
Theduchessalsofeltwoundedbyhiswords，asbyared-hotiron。
Shesprangfromherknees；andwithflurriedbreath，withlooksflashingwithrage，everymuscleofhercountenanceconvulsedandtrembling，thereshestoodbeforeherbrother。Shewasawomannomore；shewasalioness，that，withoutcompassionorpity，willdevourhimwhohasdaredirritateher。
\"EarlofSurrey，youareashamelesswretch！\"saidshe，withcompressed，quiveringlips。\"WereIaman，Iwouldslapyouintheface，andcallyouascoundrel。But，bytheeternalGod，youshallnotsaythatyouhavedonethiswithimpunity！Oncemore，andforthelasttime，Inowaskyou，willyoucomplywithLordHertford\'swish？WillyoumarryLadyMargaret，andaccompanymewithThomasSeymourtothealtar？\"
\"No，Iwillnot，andIwillneverdoit！\"exclaimedherbrother，solemnly。\"TheHowardsbownotbeforetheSeymours；andneverwillHenryHowardmarryawifethathedoesnotlove！\"
\"Ah，youlovehernot！\"saidshe，breathless，gnashingherteeth。
\"YoudonotloveLadyMargaret；andforthisreasonmustyoursisterrenounceherlove，andgiveupthismanwhomsheadores。Ah，youlovenotthissisterofThomasSeymour？SheisnottheGeraldinewhomyouadore——towhomyoudedicateyourverses！Well，now，Iwillfindherout——yourGeraldine。Iwilldiscoverher；andthen，woetoyouandtoher！YourefusemeyourhandtoleadmetothealtarwithThomasSeymour；well，now，IwillonedayextendyoumyhandtoconductyouandyourGeraldinetothescaffold！\"
Andasshesawhowtheearlstartledandturnedpale，shecontinuedwithascornfullaugh:\"Ah，youshrink，andhorrorcreepsoveryou！
Doesyourconscienceadmonishyouthatthehero，rigidinvirtue，mayyetsometimesmakeafalsestep？Youthoughttohideyoursecret，ifyouenvelopeditintheveilofnight，likeyourGeraldine，who，asyouwailinglycomplaininthatpoemthere，nevershowsherselftoyouwithoutaveilasblackasnight。Justwait，wait！Iwillstrikealightforyou，beforewhichallyournight-
likeveilsshallhetorninshreds；IwilllightupthenightofyoursecretwithatorchwhichwillbelargeenoughtosetonfirethefagotpilesahoutthestaketowhichyouandyourGeraldinearetogo！\"
\"Ah，nowyouletmeseeforthefirsttimeyourrealcountenance，\"
saidHenryHoward，shrugginghisshoulders。\"Theangel\'smaskfallsfromyourface；andIbeholdthefurythatwashiddenbeneathit。
Nowyouareyourmother\'sowndaughter；andatthismomentI
comprehendforthefirsttimewhatmyfatherhassuffered，andwhyheshunnednoteventhedisgraceofadivorce，justtobedeliveredfromsuchaMegaera。\"
\"Oh，Ithankyou，thankyou！\"criedshe，withasavagelaugh。\"Youarefillingupthemeasureofyouriniquity。Itisnotenoughthatyoudriveyoursistertodespair；yourevileyourmotheralso！Yousaythatwearefuries；well，indeed，forweshallonedaybesuchtoyou，andwewillshowyouourMedusa-face，beforewhichyouwillbestiffenedtostone。HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，fromthishourout，Iamyourimplacableenemy；lookoutfortheheadonyourshoulders，formyhandisraisedagainstit，andinmyhandisasword！Guardwellthesecretthatsleepsinyourbreast；foryouhavetransformedmetoavampirethatwillsuckyourheart\'sblood。
Youhavereviledmymother，andIwillgohenceandtellherofit。
Shewillbelieveme；forshewellknowsthatyouhateher，andthatyouareagenuinesonofyourfather；thatistosay，acantinghypocrite，amiserablefellow，whocarriesvirtueonthelipsandcrimeintheheart。\"
\"Cease，Isay，cease，\"criedtheearl，\"ifyoudonotwantmetoforgetthatyouareawomanandmysister！\"
\"Forgetitbyallmeans，\"saidshe，scornfully。\"Ihaveforgottenlongsincethatyouaremybrother，asyouhavelongsinceforgottenthatyouarethesonofyourmother。Farewell，EarlofSurrey；I
leaveyouandyourpalace，andwillfromthishouroutabidewithmymother。thedivorcedwifeoftheDukeofNorfolk。Butmarkyouthis:
wetwoareseparatedfromyouinourlove——butnotinourhate！Ourhatredtoyouremainseternalandunchangeable；andonedayitwillcrushyou！Farewell，EarlofSurrey；wemeetagainintheking\'spresence！\"
Sherushedtothedoor。HenryHowarddidnotholdherback。Helookedafterherwithasmileassheleftthecabinet，andmurmured，almostcompassionately:\"Poorwoman！Ihave，perhaps，cheatedheroutofalover，andshewillneverforgivemethat。Well，letitbeso！Lether，asmuchasshepleases，bemyenemy，andtormentmewithpettypin-prickings，ifshebebutunabletoharmher。Ihope，though，thatIhaveguardedwellmysecret，andshecouldnotsuspecttherealcauseofmyrefusal。Ah，Iwasobligedtowrapmyselfinthatfoolishfamilypride，andmakehaughtinessacloakformylove。Oh，Geraldine，theewouldIchoose，wertthouthedaughterofapeasant；andIwouldnotholdmyescutcheontarnished，ifforthysakeImustdrawapaleathwartit——Buthark！Itisstrikingfour！Myservicebegins！Farewell，Geraldine，Imusttothequeen！\"
Andwhilehebetookhimselftohisdressing-room，toputonhisstaterobesforthegreatcourtfeast，theDuchessofRichmondreturnedtoherownapartments，tremblingandquiveringwithrage。
Shetraversedthesewithprecipitatehaste，andenteredherboudoir，whereEarlDouglaswaswaitingforher。
\"Well，\"saidhe，steppingtowardherwithhissoft，lurkingsmile，\"hasheconsented？\"
\"No，\"saidshe，gnashingherteeth。\"HesworehewouldneverenterintoanalliancewiththeSeymours。\"
\"Iwellknewthat，\"mutteredtheearl。\"Andwhatdoyoudecideuponnow，mylady？\"
\"Iwillhaverevenge！Hewantstohindermefrombeinghappy；Iwillforthatmakehimunhappy！\"
\"Youwilldowellinthat，mylady；forheisanapostateandperjurer；anunfaithfulsonoftheChurch。Heinclinestothehereticalsect，andhasforgottenthefaithofhisfathers。\"
\"Iknowit！\"saidshe，breathlessly。
EarlDouglaslookedatherinastonishment，andcontinued:\"Butheisnotmerelyanatheist，heisatraitoralso；andmorethanoncehehasreviledhisking，towhomhe，inhisprideofheart，believeshimselffarsuperior。\"
\"Iknowit！\"repeatedshe。
\"Soproudishe，\"continuedtheearl，\"sofullofblasphemoushaughtiness，thathemightlayhishandsuponthecrownofEngland。\"
\"Iknowit！\"saidtheduchessagain。Butasshesawtheearl\'sastonishedanddoubtinglooks，sheadded，withaninhumansmile:\"I
knoweverythingthatyouwantthatIshouldknow！Onlyimputecrimestohim；onlyaccusehim；Iwillsubstantiateeverything，testifytoeverythingthatwillbringhimtoruin。Mymotherisourally；shehatesthefatherashotlyasItheson。Bringyouraccusation，then，EarlDouglas；weareyourwitnesses！\"
\"Nay，indeed，mylady，\"saidhe，withagentle，insinuatingsmile。
\"Iknownothingatall；Ihaveheardnothing；how，then，canIbringanaccusation？Youknowall；toyouhehasspoken。Youmustbehisaccuser！\"
\"Well，then，conductmetotheking！\"saidshe。
\"Willyouallowmetogiveyousomemoreadvicefirst？\"
\"Doso，EarlDouglas。\"
\"Beverycautiousinthechoiceofyourmeans。Donotwastethemallatonce，sothatifyourfirstthrustdoesnothit，youmaynotbeafterwardwithoutweapons。Itisbetter，andfarlessdangerous，tosurelykilltheenemythatyouhatewithaslow，creepingpoison，graduallyanddaybyday，thantomurderhimatoncewithadagger，whichmay，however，breakonaribandbecomeineffective。Tell，then，whatyouknow，notatonce，butlittlebylittle。Administeryourdrugwhichistomakethekingfurious，gradually；andifyoudonothityourenemyto-day，thinkthatyouwilldoitsomuchthemoresurelyto-morrow。Nordoyouforgetthatwehavetopunish，notmerelythehereticHenryHoward，butaboveallthingsthehereticalqueen，whoseunbeliefwillcalldownthewrathoftheMostHighuponthisland。\"
\"Cometotheking，\"saidshe，hastily。\"OnthewayyoucantellmewhatIoughttomakeknownandwhatconceal。Iwilldoimplicitlywhatyousay。Now，HenryHoward，\"saidshesoftlytoherself，\"holdyourselfready；thecontestbegins！Inyourprideandselfishnessyouhavedestroyedthehappinessofmylife——myeternalfelicity。I
lovedThomasSeymour；IhopedbyhissidetofindthehappinessthatIhavesolongandsovainlysoughtinthecrookedpathsoflife。Bythislovemysoulwouldhavebeensavedandrestoredtovirtue。Mybrotherhaswilledotherwise。Hehas，therefore，condemnedmetobeademon，insteadofanangel。Iwillfulfilmydestiny。Iwillbeanevilspirittohim。\"[Footnote:TheEarlofSurrey，byhisrefusaltomarryMargaretSeymour，gaveoccasiontotheruptureoftheproposedalliancebetweenThomasSeymourandtheDuchessofRichmond，hissister。Afterthattheduchessmortallyhatedhimandcombinedwithhisenemiesagainsthim。TheDuchessofRichmondisdesignatedbyallthehistoriansofhertimeas\"themostbeautifulwomanofhercentury，butalsoashamelessMessalina。\"——SeeTytler，p。890。AlsoBurnet，vol。i，p。134；Leti，vol。i，p。83；andNott\'sLifeofHenryHoward。]
CHAPTERXXIV。
THEQUEEN\'STOILET。
Thefestivitiesofthedayareconcluded，andthegallantknightsandchampions，whohaveto-daybrokenalanceforthehonoroftheirladies，mayrestfromtheirvictoriesupontheirlaurels。Thetournamentofarmswasover，andthetournamentofmindwasabouttobegin。Theknights，therefore，retiredtoexchangethecoat-of-mailforgold-embroideredvelvetapparel；theladiestoputontheirlightereveningdresses；andthequeen，likewisewiththisdesign，hadwithdrawntoherdressing-room，whiletheladiesandlordsofhercourtwereinattendanceinthelargeanteroomtoescorthertothethrone。
Without，itwasbeginningtogrowdusky，andthetwilightcastitslongshadowsacrossthishall，inwhichthecavaliersofthecourtwerewalkingupanddownwiththeladies，anddiscussingtheparticularlyimportanteventsoftheday\'stourney。
TheEarlofSudley，ThomasSeymour，hadborneofftheprizeoftheday，andconqueredhisopponent，HenryHoward。Thekinghadbeeninrapturesonthisaccount。ForThomasSeymourhadbeenforsometimehisfavorite；perhapsbecausehewasthedeclaredenemyoftheHowards。Hehad，therefore，addedtothegoldenlaurelcrownwhichthequeenhadpresentedtotheearlastheaward，adiamondpin，andcommandedthequeentofastenitintheearl\'sruffwithherownhand。Catharinehaddonesowithsullencountenanceandavertedlooks；andevenThomasSeymourhadshownhimselfonlyaverylittledelightedwiththeproudhonorwithwhichthequeen，atherhusband\'scommand，wastogracehim。
Therigidpopishpartyatcourtformednewhopesfromthis，anddreamedofthequeen\'sconversionandreturntothetrue，purefaith；whiletheProtestant，\"theheretical\"party，lookedtothefuturewithgloomydespondency，andwereafraidofbeingrobbedoftheirmostpowerfulsupportandtheirmostinfluentialpatronage。
Nobodyhadseenthat，asthequeenarosetocrownthevictor，ThomasSeymour，herhandkerchief，embroideredwithgold，fellfromherhands，andthattheearl，afterhehadtakenitupandpresentedittothequeen，hadthrusthishandforamoment，withamotionwhollyaccidentalandundesigned，intohisruff，whichwasjustaswhiteasthesmallneatly-foldedpaperwhichheconcealedinit，andwhichhehadfoundinthequeen\'shandkerchief。
Onepersonhadseenit。ThislittleruseofthequeenhadnotescapedJohnHeywood，whohadimmediately，bysomecuttingwitticism，setthekingtolaughing，andtriedtodrawtheattentionofthecourtiersfromthequeenandherlover。
Hewasnowstandingcrowdedintotheembrasureofawindow，andentirelyconcealedbehindthesilkcurtain；andso，withoutbeingseen，helethisfalconeyesroamoverthewholeroom。
Hesaweverything；heheardeverything；and，noticedbynone，heobservedall。
HesawhowEarlDouglasnowmadeasigntoBishopGardiner，andhowhequicklyansweredit。
Asifbyaccident，bothnowleftthegroupswithwhomtheyhadjustbeenchatting，anddrewneareachother，lookingaboutforsomeplacewhere，unobservedandseparatedfromtherest，theymightconversetogether。Inallthewindowswerestandinggroups，chattingandlaughing；onlythatwindowbehindthecurtainofwhichJohnHeywoodwasconcealed，wasunoccupied。
SoEarlDouglasandthebishopturnedthither。
\"Shallweattainourendto-day？\"askedGardiner，inalowvoice。
\"WithGod\'sgraciousassistance，weshallannihilateallourenemiesto-day。Theswordalreadyhangsovertheirheads，andsoonitwillfallanddeliverusfromthem，\"saidEarlDouglas，solemnly。
\"Areyou，then，certainofit？\"askedGardiner，andanexpressionofcrueldelightflittedacrosshismalicious，ashyface。\"Buttellme，howcomesitthatArchbishopCranmerisnothere？\"
\"Heissick，andsohadtoremainatLambeth。
Maythissicknessbetheforerunnerofhisdeath！\"mutteredthebishop，devoutlyfoldinghishands。
\"Itwillbeso，yourhighness；GodwilldestroyHisenemiesandblessus。Cranmerisaccused，andthekingwilljudgehimwithoutmercy。
Andthequeen？\"
EarlDouglaswasamomentsilent，andthensaid，inalowwhisper:
\"Waitbutafewhoursmore，andshewillbequeennolonger。Insteadofreturningfromthethrone-roomtoherapartments，weshallaccompanyhertotheTower。\"
JohnHeywood，completelyenvelopedinthefoldsofthecurtain，heldhisbreathandlistened。
\"Andyouare，then，perfectlysureofourvictory？\"askedGardiner。
\"Cannoaccident，nounforeseencircumstance，snatchitfromus？\"
\"Ifthequeengiveshimtherosette——no！ForthenthekingwillfindGeraldine\'slove-letterinthesilverknot，andsheiscondemned。Soalldependsonthequeen\'swearingtherosette，andnotdiscoveringitscontents。Butsee，yourhighness，thereistheDuchessofRichmondapproachingus。Shemakesasigntome。Nowprayforus，yourhighness，forIamgoingwithhertotheking，andshewillaccusethishatedCatharineParr！Itellyou，bishop，itisanaccusationinvolvinglifeanddeath；andifCatharineescapeonedanger，shewillrunintoanother。Waithereforme，yourhighness；
Iwillreturnsoonandtellyoutheresultofourscheme。LadyJane，also，willsoonbringusnewshere。\"
Heleftthewindowandfollowedtheduchess，whocrossedthehall，andwithherdisappearedthroughthedoorthatledtotheking\'sapartments。
Theladiesandlordsofthecourtlaughedandchattedaway。
JohnHeywoodstood，withthrobbingheartandinbreathlessanxiety，behindthecurtain，closebyGardiner，whohadfoldedhishandsandwaspraying。
WhileGardinerprayed，andDouglasaccusedandcalumniated，thequeen，suspectingnothingoftheseplotstheywereframingagainsther，wasinhertoilet-roomandbeingadornedbyherwomen。
Shewasto-dayverybeautiful，verymagnificenttolookupon；atonceawomanandqueen；atthesametimeresplendentandmodest，withabewitchingsmileonherrosylips；andyetcommandingrespectinherproudandgloriousbeauty。NoneofHenry\'squeenshadsowellunderstoodtheartofappearinginpublic，andnoneremainedsomuchthewomanwhiledoingso。
Asshenowstoodbeforethelargemirror，whichtheRepublicofVenicehadsentthekingasawedding-gift，andwhichreflectedthefigureofthequeensparklingwithdiamonds，shesmiled，forshewasobligedtoconfesstoherselfthatshewasverybeautifulto-day；
andshethoughtthatto-dayThomasSeymourwouldlookuponhislovewithpride。
Asshethoughtofhim，adeepcrimsonoverspreadherface，andathrillflewthroughherframe。Howhandsomehehadbeenatthetournamentthatday；howsplendidlyheleapedoverthebarriers；howhiseyeflashed；howcontemptuoushadbeenhissmile！Andthen，thatlookwhichhedirectedovertoheratthemomentwhenhehadconqueredhisantagonist，HenryHoward，andhurledthelancefromhishand！Oh，herheartwasthenreadytoburstwithdelightandrapture！
Whollygivenuptoherreverie，shesankinhergildedarm-chairandcasthereyestotheground，dreamingandsmiling。
Behindherstoodherwomeninrespectfulsilence，waitingforasignfromtheirmistress。Butthequeennolongerthoughtatallofthem；
sheimaginedherselfalone；shesawnobodybutthathandsome，manlyfaceforwhichshehadreservedaplaceinherheart。
Nowthedooropened，andLadyJaneDouglasentered。She，too，wasmagnificentlydressed，andsparklingwithdiamonds；she，too，wasbeautiful，butitwasthepallid，dreadfulbeautyofademon；andhewholookeduponherjustthen，assheenteredtheroom，wouldhavetrembled，andhisheartwouldhavebeenseizedwithanundefinedfear。
Shethrewaquickglanceonhermistresslostinrevery；andasshesawthathertoiletwasfinished，shemadeasigntothewomen，whosilentlyobeyedandlefttheroom。
StillCatharinenoticednothing。LadyJanestoodbehindherandobservedherinthemirror。Asshesawthequeensmile，herbrowdarkenedandfiercefireflashedinhereyes。
\"Sheshallsmilenomore，\"saidshetoherself。\"Isufferthusterriblybyher；well，now，sheshallsuffertoo。\"
Softlyandnoiselesslysheslippedintothenextroom，thedoorofwhichstoodajar，andopenedwithhurriedhandacartonfilledwithribbonsandbows。Thenshedrewfromthevelvetpocket，wroughtwithpearls，whichhungatherside，suspendedbyagoldchain，adark-
redrosette，andthrewitintothebox。Thatwasall。
LadyJanenowreturnedtotheadjoiningroom；andhercountenance，whichhadbeenpreviouslygloomyandthreatening，wasnowproudandjoyful。
Withabrightsmileshewalkeduptothequeen，andkneelingdownatherside，shepressedaferventkissonthehandthatwashangingdown。
\"Whatismyqueenmusingover？\"askedshe，asshelaidherheadonCatharine\'skneeandtenderlylookedupather。
Thequeengaveaslightstart，andraisedherhead。ShesawLadyJane\'stendersmile，andheryetsearchinglooks。
Becauseshefeltconsciousofguilt，atleastofguiltythoughts，shewasonherguard，andrememberedJohnHeywood\'swarning。
\"Sheisobservingme，\"shesaidtoherself；\"sheseemsaffectionate；
sosheisbroodingoversomewickedplot。
Ah，itiswellyouhavecome，Jane，\"saidshealoud。\"Youcanhelpme；for，totellyouthetruth，Iamingreatperplexity。Iaminwantofarhyme，andIamthinkinginvainhowIshallfindit。\"
\"Ah，areyoucomposingpoetry，queen？\"
\"Why，Jane，doesthatsurpriseyou？ShallI，thequeen，beable，then，tobearoffnoprize？Iwouldgivemypreciousjewels，ifI
couldsucceedincomposingapoemtowhichthekingwasobligedtoawardtheprize。ButIamwantinginamusicalear；Icannotfindtherhyme，andsoshallheobligedatlasttogiveuptheideaofwinninglaurelsalso。Howthekingwouldenjoyit，though！For，toconfessthetruthtoyou，IbelieveheisalittleafraidthatHenryHowardwillbearofftheprize，andhewouldbeverythankfultomeifIcouldcontestitwithhim。YouwellknowthekinghasnolovefortheHowards。\"
\"Andyou，queen？\"askedJane；andsheturnedsopale，thatthequeenherselfnoticedit。
\"Youareunwell，Jane，\"saidshe，sympathizingly。\"Really，Jane，youseemtobesuffering。Youneedrecreation；youshouldrestalittle。\"
ButJanehadalreadyregainedhercalmandearnestair，andshesucceededinsmiling。
\"No，indeed！\"saidshe。\"Iamwell，andsatisfiedtobepermittedtobenearyou。Butwillyouallowme，queen，tomakearequestofyou？\"
\"Ask，Jane，ask，anditisgrantedbeforehand；forIknowthatJanewillrequestnothingthatherfriendcannotgrant。\"
LadyJanewassilent，andlookedthoughtfullyupontheground。Withfirmresolutionshestruggledwithherself。Herproudheartrearedfiercelyupatthethoughtofbowingbeforethiswoman，whomshehated，andofbeingobligedtoapproachherwithafawningprayer。
Shefeltsuchraginghateagainstthequeen，thatinthathourshewouldwillinglyhavegivenherownlife，ifshecouldhavefirstseenherenemyatherfeet，wailingandcrushed。
HenryHowardlovedthequeen；soCatharinehadrobbedheroftheheartofhimwhomsheadored。Catharinehadcondemnedhertotheeternaltormentofrenouncinghim——totherackofenjoyingahappinessandarapturethatwasnothers——towarmherselfatafirewhichshelikeathiefhadstolenfromthealtarofanother\'sgod。
Catharinewascondemnedanddoomed。Janehadnomorecompassion。Shemustcrushher。
\"Well，\"askedthequeen，\"youaresilent？YoudonottellmewhatI
amtograntyou？\"
LadyJaneraisedhereyes，andherlookwassereneandpeaceful。
\"Queen，\"saidshe，\"Iencounteredintheante-roomonewhoisunhappy，deeplyboweddown。Inyourhandaloneisthepowertoraisehimupagain。Willyoudoit？\"
\"WillIdoit！\"exclaimedCatharine，quickly。\"Oh，Jane，youwellknowhowmuchmyheartlongstohelpandbeserviceabletotheunfortunate！Ah，somanywoundsareinflictedatthiscourt，andthequeenissopoorinbalmtohealthem！Allowmethispleasurethen，Jane，andIshallbethankfultoyou，notyoutome！Speakthen，Jane，speakquickly；whoisitthatneedsmyhelp？\"
\"Notyourhelp，queen，butyourcompassionandyourgrace。EarlSudleyhasconqueredpoorEarlSurreyinthetournamentto-day，andyoucomprehendthatyourlordchamberlainfeelshimselfdeeplybowedandhumbled。\"
\"CanIalterthat，Jane？Whydidthevisionaryearl，theenthusiasticpoet，allowhimselfacontestwithaherowhoalreadyknowswhathewants，andeveraccomplisheswhathewills？Oh，itwaswonderfultolookupon，withwhatlightningspeedThomasSeymourliftedhimoutofthesaddle！AndtheproudEarlSurrey，thewiseandlearnedman，thepowerfulpartyleader，wasforcedtobowbeforethehero，wholikeanangelMichaelhadthrownhiminthedust。\"
Thequeenlaughed。
ThatlaughwentthroughJane\'sheartlikeacuttingsword。
\"Sheshallpaymeforthat！\"saidshesoftlytoherself。\"Queen，\"
saidshealoud，\"youareperfectlyright；hehasdeservedthishumiliation；butnow，afterheispunished，youshouldlifthimup。
Nay，donotshakeyourbeautifulhead。Doitforyourownsake，queen；doitfromprudence。EarlSurrey，withhisfather，istheheadofapowerfulparty，whomthishumiliationoftheHowardsfillswithastillmoreburninghateagainsttheSeymours，andwhowill，intimetocome，takeabloodyrevengeforit。\"
\"Ah，youfrightenme！\"saidthequeen，whohadnowbecomeserious。
LadyJanecontinued:\"IsawhowtheDukeofNorfolkbithislips，ashissonhadtoyieldtoSeymour；Iheardhowone，hereandthere，mutteredlowcursesandvowsofvengeanceagainsttheSeymours。\"
\"Whodidthat？Whodaredtodoit？\"exclaimedCatharine，springingupimpetuouslyfromherarm-chair。\"Whoatthiscourtissoaudaciousastowishtoinjurethosewhomthequeenloves？Namehimtome，Jane；Iwillknowhisname！Iwillknowit，thatImayaccusehimtotheking。ForthekingdoesnotwantthatthesenobleSeymoursshouldgivewaytotheHowards；hedoesnotwantthatthenobler，thebetter，andmoreglorious，shouldbowbeforethesequarrelsome，domineeringpapists。ThekinglovesthenobleSeymours，andhispowerfularmwillprotectthemagainstalltheirenemies。\"
\"And，withoutdoubt，yourmajestywillassisthiminit？\"saidJane，smiling。
Thissmilebroughtthequeenbacktohersensesagain。
Sheperceivedthatshehadgonetoofar；thatshehadbetrayedtoomuchofhersecret。Shemust，therefore，repairthedamage，andallowherexcitementtobeforgotten。Thereforeshesaid，calmly:
\"Certainly，Jane；Iwillassistthekingtobejust。ButneverwillIbeunjust，notevenagainstthesepapists。IfIcannotlovethem，neverthelessnooneshallsaythatIhatethem。Andbesides，itbecomesaqueentoriseaboveparties。Say，then，Jane，whatcanI
doforpoorSurrey？WithwhatshallwebindupthesewoundsthatthebraveSeymourhasinflictedonhim？\"
\"Youhavepubliclygiventhevictorinthetournamentatokenofyourgreatfavor——youhavecrownedhim。\"
\"Itwastheking\'sorder，\"exclaimedCatharine，warmly。
\"Well！Hewillnot，however，commandyoutorewardtheEarlofSurreyalso，ifhelikewiseshouldgainthevictorythisevening。Doit，therefore，ofyourownaccord，queen。Givehimopenly，beforeyourwholecourt，atokenofyourfavor！Itissoeasyforprincestomakemenhappy，tocomforttheunfortunate！Asmile，afriendlyword，apressureofthehandissufficientforit。Aribbonthatyouwearonyourdressmakeshimtowhomyoupresentit，proudandhappy，andraiseshimhighaboveallothers。Ponderitwell，queen；
IspeaknotforEarlSurrey\'ssake；Iamthinkingmoreofyourself。
Ifyouhavethecourage，publiclyandinspiteofthedisgracewithwhichKingHenrythreatenstheHowards，tobeneverthelessjusttothem，andtorecognize_their_meritsaswellasthatofothers——
believeme，ifyoudothat，thewholeofthispowerfulparty，whichisnowhostiletoyou，willfallatyourfeetovercomeandconquered。Youwillatlastbecometheall-powerfulanduniversallylovedQueenofEngland；and，liketheheretics，thepapistsalsowillcallyoutheirmistressandprotectress。Considernolonger！
Letyournobleandgenerousheartprevail！SpitefulfortunehasprostratedHenryHowardinthedust。Extendhimyourhand，queen，thathemayriseagain，andagainstandthereatyourcourt，proudandradiantashealwayswas。HenryHowardwelldeservesthatyoushouldbegracioustohim。Greatandbeaminglikeastar，heshinesonhighaboveallmen；andthereisnoonewhocansaythathehimselfismoreprudentorbraver，wiserormorelearned，nobleorgreater，thanthenoble，theexaltedSurrey。AllEnglandresoundswithhisfame。Thewomenrepeatwithenthusiasmhisbeautifulsonnetsandlove-songs；thelearnedareproudtocallhimtheirequal，andthewarriorsspeakwithadmirationofhisfeatsofarms。
Bejust，then，queen！Youhavesohighlyhonoredthemeritofvalor；
now，honorthemeritofmindalso！Youhave，inSeymour，honoredthewarrior；now，inHoward，honorthepoetandtheman！\"
\"Iwilldoit，\"saidCatharine，aswithacharmingsmileshelookedintoJane\'sglowingandenthusiasticcountenance。\"Iwilldoit，Jane，butupononecondition！\"
\"Andthisconditionis——\"
CatharineputherarmaroundJane\'sneck，anddrewherclosetoherheart，\"Thatyouconfesstome，thatyouloveHenryHoward，whomyouknowhowtodefendsoenthusiasticallyandwarmly。\"
LadyJanegaveastart，andforamomentleanedherheadonthequeen\'sshoulder，exhausted。
\"Well，\"askedshe，\"doyouconfessit？Willyouacknowledgethatyourproud，coldheartisobligedtodeclareitselfovercomeandconquered？\"
\"Yes，Iconfessit，\"criedLadyJane，aswithpassionatevehemenceshethrewherselfatCatharine\'sfeet。\"Yes，Ilovehim——Iadorehim。Iknowitisadisdainedandunhappylove；butwhatwouldyouhave？Myheartismightierthaneverythingelse。Ilovehim；heismygodandmylord；Iadorehimasmysaviorandlord。Queen，youknowallmysecret；betraymeifyouwill！Tellittomyfather，ifyouwishhimtocurseme。TellittoHenryHoward，ifitpleasesyoutohearhowhescoffsatme。Forhe，queen——helovesmenot！\"
\"PoorunfortunateJane！\"exclaimedthequeen，compassionately。
Janeutteredalowcry，androsefromherknees。Thatwastoomuch。
Herenemycommiseratedher。She，whowastoblameforhersorrow——
shebemoanedherfate。
Ah，shecouldhavestrangledthequeen；shecouldhaveplungedadaggerintoherheart，becauseshedaredtocommiserateher。
\"Ihavecompliedwithyourcondition，queen，\"saidshe，breathinghurriedly。\"Willyounowcomplywithmyrequest？\"
\"Andwillyoureallybeanadvocateforthisunthankful，cruelman，whodoesnotloveyou？Proudlyandcoldlyhepassesyourbeautyby，andyou——youintercedeforhim！\"
\"Queen，truelovethinksnotofitself！Itsacrificesitself。Itmakesnoquestionoftherewarditreceives，butonlyofthehappinesswhichitbestows。Isawinhispale，sorrowfulface，howmuchhesuffered；oughtInottothinkofcomfortinghim？I
approachedhim，Iaddressedhim；Iheardhisdespairinglamentationoverthatmisfortune，which，however，wasnotthefaultofhisactivityandcourage，but，asalltheworldsaw，thefaultofhishorse，whichwasshyandstumbled。Andashe，inallthebitternessofhispain，waslamentingthatyou，queen，woulddespiseandscornhim，I，withfulltrustinyournobleandmagnanimousheart，promisedhimthatyouwould，atmyrequest，yetgivehimto-day，beforeyourwholecourt，atokenofyourfavor。Catharine，didIdowrong？\"
\"No，Jane，no！Youdidright；andyourwordsshallbemadegood。ButhowshallIbegin？WhatshallIdo？\"
\"Theearlthisevening，afterthekinghasreadtheGreekscenewithCroke，willrecitesomenewsonnetswhichhehascomposed。Whenhehasdoneso，givehimsomekindofapresent——beitwhatitmay，nomatter——asatokenofyourfavor。\"
\"Buthow，Jane，ifhissonnetsdeservenopraiseandnoacknowledgment？
Youmaybesurethattheydodeserveit。ForHenryHowardisanobleandtruepoet，andhisversesarefullofheavenlymelodyandexaltedthoughts。\"
Thequeensmiled。\"Yes，\"saidshe，\"youlovehimardently；foryouhavenodoubtastohim。Wewill，therefore，recognizehimasagreatpoet。ButwithwhatshallIrewardhim？\"
\"Givehimarosethatyouwearinyourbosom——arosettethatisfastenedtoyourdressandshowsyourcolors。\"
\"Butalas，Jane，to-dayIwearneitherarosenorarosette。\"
\"Yetyoucanwearone，queen。Arosetteis，indeed，wantinghereonyourshoulder。Yourpurplemantleistoonegligentlyfastened。Wemustputsometrimminghere。\"
Shewenthastilyintothenextroomandreturnedwiththeboxinwhichwerekeptthequeen\'sribbonsembroideredwithgold，andbowsadornedwithjewels。
LadyJanesearchedandselected，hereandthere，alongtime。Thenshetookthecrimsonvelvetrosette，whichsheherselfhadpreviouslythrownintothebox，andshowedittothequeen。