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