Heraisedhisclenchedfistthreateninglytoheaven，andhiseyesdartedlightning。\"Buthow！\"saidhe，afterapause——\"hashenotrecentlyreadbeforeusapoemtohisGeraldine，inwhichhethanksherforherlove，andacknowledgeshimselfeternallyherdebtorforthekissshegavehim？\"
\"HehasreadbeforeyourmajestysuchapoemtoGeraldine。\"
Thekingutteredalowcry，andraisedhimselfinhisseat。
\"Proofs，\"saidhe，inahoarse，hollowvoice——\"proofs——or，Itellyou，yourownheadshallatoneforthisaccusation！\"
\"Thisproof，yourmajesty，Iwillgiveyou！\"saidEarlDouglas，solemnly。\"Itpleasesyourmajesty，inthefulnessofyourgentlenessandmercy，towanttodoubttheaccusationofthenobleduchess。Well，now，IwillfurnishyouinfallibleproofthatHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，reallylovesthequeen，andthathereallydarestoextolandadoretheking\'swifeashisGeraldine。Youshallwithyourownears，sire，hearhowEarlSurreyswearshislovetothequeen。\"
Thescreamwhichthekingnowutteredwassofrightful，andgaveevidenceofsomuchinwardagonyandrage，thatitstrucktheearldumb，andmadethecheeksoftheladiesturnpale。
\"Douglas，Douglas，bewarehowyourousethelion！\"gaspedtheking。
\"Thelionmightrendyouyourselfinpieces！\"
\"ThisverynightIwillgiveyoutheproofthatyoudemand，sire。
ThisverynightyoushallhearhowEarlSurrey，sittingatthefeetofhisGeraldine，swearstoherhislove。\"
\"Itiswell！\"saidtheking。\"Thisnight，then！Woetoyou，Douglas，ifyoucannotredeemyourword！\"
\"Iwilldoso，yourmajesty。Forthis，itisonlynecessarythatyouwillbegraciouslypleasedtosweartomethatyouwillnot，byasighorabreath，betrayyourself。Theearlissuspicious；andthefearofanevilconsciencehassharpenedhisear。Hewouldrecognizeyoubyyoursigh，andhislipswouldnotspeakthosewordsandavowalswhichyoudesiretohear。\"
\"IsweartoyouthatIwillnotbyanysighorbreathbetraymypresence！\"saidtheking，solemnly。\"IswearthistoyoubytheholymotherofGod！Butnowletthatsuffice。Air——air——Isuffocate！
Everythingswimsbeforemyeyes。Openthewindow，thatalittleairmayflowin！Ah！thatisgood！Thisairatleastispure，andnotinfectedwithsinandslander！\"
AndthekinghadEarlDouglasrollhimtotheopenedwindow，andinspiredinlongdraughtsthatpurefreshair。Thenheturnedtotheladieswithanagreeablesmile。
\"Myladies，\"saidhe，\"Ithankyou！Youhaveto-dayshownyourselvesmytrueanddevotedfriends！Ishalleverrememberit，andIbegofyou，ifatanytimeyouneedafriendandprotector，toapplytouswithallconfidence。Weshallneverforgetwhatgreatserviceyouhaveto-dayrenderedus。\"
Henoddedtotheminafriendlymanner，whilst，withamajesticwaveofthehand，hedismissedthem，andconcludedtheaudience。
\"Andnow，Douglas，\"exclaimedtheking，vehemently，assoonastheladieshadretired——\"nowIhavehadenoughofthisdreadfultorture！
Oh，yousayIamtopunishthetraitors——theseSurreys——andyouinflictonmethemostfrightfulpainsoftherack！\"
\"Sire，therewasnoothermeansofdeliveringupthisSurreytoyou。
Youwerewishingthathewereacriminal；andIshallprovetoyouthatheisso。\"
\"Oh，Ishallthenbeableatleasttotreadhishatedheadundermyfeet\"saidtheking，grindinghisteeth。\"Ishallnomoretremblebeforethismaliciousenemy，whogoesaboutamongmypeoplewithhishypocriticaltongue，whileI，torturedwithpain，sitinthedungeonofmysickroom。Yes，yes，Ithankyou，Douglas，thatyouwillhandhimovertomyarmofvengeance；andmysoulisfullofjoyandserenityatit。Ah，whywereyouobligedtocloudthisfair，thissublimehour？Whywasitnecessarytoweavethequeenintothisgloomywebofguiltandcrime？Hercheerfulsmileandherradiantlookshaveeverbeenanenjoymentsodeartomyeyes。\"
\"Sire，Idonotbyanymeanssaythatthequeenisguilty。OnlytherewasnoothermeanstoprovetoyouEarlSurrey\'sguiltthanthatyoushouldhearforyourselfhisconfessionoflovetothequeen。\"
\"AndIwillhearit！\"criedtheking，whohadnowalreadyovercomethesentimentalemotionofhisheart。
\"Yes，IwillhavefullconvictionofSurrey\'sguilt；andwoetothequeen，shouldIfindheralsoguilty！Thisnight，then，earl！Buttillthen，silenceandsecrecy！Wewillhavefatherandsonseizedandimprisonedatthesamehour；forotherwisetheimprisonmentoftheonemighteasilyserveasawarningtotheother，andhemightescapemyjustwrath。Ah，theyaresosly——theseHowards——andtheirheartsaresofullofcunningandmalice！Butnowtheyshallescapemenomore；nowtheyareours！Howitdoesmegoodtothinkthat！
Andhowbrisklyandlightlymyheartleaps！Itisasthoughastreamofnewlifewererushingthroughmyveins，andanewpowerwereinfusedintomyblood。Oh，itwastheseHowardsthatmademesick。I
shallbewellagainwhenIknowthattheyareintheTower。Yes，yes，myheartleapswithjoy，andthisistobeahappyandblessedday。Callthequeenhithertome，thatImayoncemoreenjoyherrosyfacebeforeImakeitturnpalewithterror。Yes，letthequeencome，andletheradornherself；Iwanttoseeheroncemoreinthefullsplendorofheryouthandherroyalty，beforeherstargoesoutindarkness。IwilloncemoredelightmyselfwithherbeforeImakeherweep。Ah，knowyou，Douglas，thatthereisnoenjoymentkeener，moredevilish，andmoreheavenly，thantoseesuchapersonwhosmilesandsuspectsnothing，whilesheisalreadycondemned；whostilladornsherheadwithroses，whiletheexecutionerisalreadysharpeningtheaxethatistolaythatheadlow；whostillhashopesofthefuture，andofjoyandhappiness，whileherhouroflifehasalreadyrunout；whileIhavealreadybiddenherstopanddescendintothegrave！So，callthequeentome；andtellherthatweareinamerrymood，andwanttojestandlaughwithher！Callalltheladiesandlordsofourcourt；andhavetheroyalsaloonsopened；
andletthemberadiantwiththebrilliancyofthelights；andletushavemusic——loud，crashingmusic——forwewantatleasttomakethisamerrydayforussinceitseemsasthoughweshouldhaveasadandunhappynight。Yes，yes，amerrydaywewillhave；andafterthat，letcomewhatcomemay！Thesaloonsshallresoundwithlaughterandjoyfulness；andnaughtbutrejoicingandfunshallbeheardinthegreatroyalsaloons。AndinvitealsotheDukeofNorfolk，mynoblecousin，whoshareswithmemyroyalcoat-of-arms。
Yes，invitehim，thatImayenjoyoncemorehishaughtyandimposingbeautyandgrandeurbeforethisaugustsunisextinguishedandleavesusagaininnightanddarkness。TheninvitealsoWriothesley，thehighchancellor，andlethimbringwithhimafewgallantandbravesoldiersofourbody-guard。Theyaretobethenobleduke\'ssuite，whenhewishestoleaveourfeastandgohomeward——homeward——
ifnottohispalace，yettotheTower，andtothegrave。Go，go，Douglas，andattendtoallthisforme！Andsendmeheredirectlymymerryfool，JohnHeywood。Hemustpassawaythetimeformetillthefeastbegins。Hemustmakemelaughandbegay。\"
\"Iwillgoandfulfilyourorders，sire，\"saidEarlDouglas。\"Iwillorderthefeast，andimpartyourcommandstothequeenandyourcourt。Andfirstofall，IwillsendJohnHeywoodtoyou。Butpardonme，yourmajesty，ifIventuretoremindyouthatyouhavegivenmeyourroyalwordnottobetrayoursecretbyasinglesyllable，orevenbyasigh。\"
\"Igavemyword，andIwillkeepit！\"saidtheking。\"Gonow，EarlDouglas，anddowhatIhavebiddenyou！\"
Whollyexhaustedbythisparoxysmofcrueldelight，thekingsankbackinhisseat，andmoaningandgroaningherubbedhisleg，thepiercingpainsofwhichhehadforamomentforgotten，butwhichnowremindedhimoftheirpresencewithsomuchthemorecruelfury。
\"Ah，ah！\"moanedtheking。\"Heboastsofbeingabletosleepwhenhepleases。Well，thistimewewillbetheonetolullthishaughtyearltosleep。Butitwillbeasleepoutofwhichheisnevertoawakeagain！\"
Whilethekingthuswailedandsuffered，EarlDouglashastenedwithquick，firmstepthroughthesuiteofroyalapartments。Aproud，triumphantsmileplayedabouthislips，andajoyfulexpressionofvictoryflashedfromhiseyes。
\"Triumph！triumph！weshallconquer！\"saidhe，ashenowenteredhisdaughter\'schamberandextendedhishandtoLadyJane。\"Jane，wehaveatlastreachedthegoal，andyouwillsoonbeKingHenry\'sseventhwife！\"
ArosyshimmerflittedforamomentoverLadyJane\'spale，colorlesscheeks，andasmileplayedaboutherlips——asmile，however，whichwasmoresadthanloudsobscouldhavebeen。
\"Ah，\"saidsheinalowtone，\"Ifearonlythatmypoorheadwillbetooweaktoweararoyalcrown。\"
\"Courage，courage，Jane，liftupyourhead，andbeagainmystrong，prouddaughter！\"
\"But，Isuffersomuch，myfather，\"sighedshe。\"Itishellthatburnswithinme！\"
\"Butsoon，Jane，soonyoushallfeelagaintheblissofheaven！I
hadforbiddenyoutograntHenryHowardameeting，becauseitmightbringusdanger。Well，then，nowyourtenderheartshallbesatisfied。To-nightyoushallembraceyourloveragain！\"
\"Oh，\"murmuredshe，\"hewillagaincallmehisGeraldine，anditwillnotbeI，butthequeen，thathekissesinmyarms！\"
\"Yes，to-day，itwillstillbeso，Jane；butIsweartoyouthatto-
dayisthelasttimethatyouareobligedtoreceivehimthus。\"
\"ThelasttimethatIseehim？\"askedJane，withanexpressionofalarm。
\"No，Jane，onlythelasttimethatHenryHowardlovesinyouthequeen，andnotyouyourself。\"
\"Oh，hewillneverloveme！\"murmuredshe，sadly。
\"Hewillloveyou，foryouitwillbethatwillsavehislife。
Hasten，then。Jane，haste！Writehimquicklyoneofthosetendernotesthatyouinditewithsomasterlyahand。Invitehimtoameetingto-nightattheusualtimeandplace。\"
\"Oh，Ishallatlasthavehimagain！\"whisperedLadyJane；andshesteppedtothewriting-tableandwithtremblinghandbegantowrite。
Butsuddenlyshestopped，andlookedatherfathersharplyandsuspiciously。
\"Yousweartome，myfather，thatnodangerthreatenshimifhecomes？\"
\"Isweartoyou，Jane，thatyoushallbetheonetosavehislife！I
sweartoyou，Jane，thatyoushalltakevengeanceonthequeen——
vengeanceforalltheagony，thehumiliationanddespairthatyouhavesufferedbyher。To-daysheisyetQueenofEngland！To-morrowshewillbenothingmorethanacriminal，whosighsintheconfinementoftheTowerforthehourofherexecution。AndyouwillbeHenry\'sseventhqueen。Write，then，mydaughter，write！Andmaylovedictatetoyoutheproperwords！\"
CHAPTERXXX。
THEFEASTOFDEATH。
Foralongtimethekinghadnotappearedinsuchgoodspiritsasonthisfestiveevening。Foralongtimehehadnotbeensocompletelythetenderhusband，thegood-naturedcompanion，thecheerfulbon-
vivant。
Thepainsofhislegseemedtohavedisappeared，andeventheweightofhisbodyseemedtobelessburdensomethanusual，formorethanonceherosefromhischair，andwalkedafewstepsthroughthebrilliantlylightedsaloon，inwhichtheladiesandlordsofhiscourt，infestiveattire，weremovinggentlytoandfro；inwhichmusicandlaughterresounded。Howtenderheshowedhimselftowardthequeento-day；withwhatextraordinarykindnesshemettheDukeofNorfolk；withwhatsmilingattention，helistenedtotheEarlofSurrey，ashe，attheking\'sdesire，recitedsomenewsonnetstoGeraldine！
ThismarkedpreferenceforthenobleHowardsenrapturedtheRomanCatholicpartyatcourt，andfilleditwithnewhopesandnewconfidence。
ButonetherewaswhodidnotallowhimselftobedeceivedbythismaskwhichKingHenryhadto-dayputonoverhiswrathfulface。
JohnHeywoodhadfaithneitherintheking\'scheerfulnessnorinhistenderness。Heknewtheking；hewasawarethatthosetowhomhewasmostfriendlyoftenhadthemosttofearfromhim。Therefore，hewatchedhim；andhesaw，beneaththismaskoffriendliness，theking\'srealangrycountenancesometimesflashoutinaquick，hastylook。
TheresoundingmusicandthemadrejoicingnomoredeceivedJohnHeywood。HebeheldDeathstandingbehindthisdazzlinglife；hesmeltthereekofcorruptionconcealedbeneaththeperfumeofthesebrilliantflowers。
JohnHeywoodnolongerlaughedandnolongerchatted。Hewatched。
Forthefirsttimeinalongwhilethekingdidnotneedto-daytheexcitingjestandthestingingwitofhisfoolinordertobecheerfulandingoodhumor。
Sothefoolhadtimeandleisuretobeareasonableandobservantman；andheimprovedthetime。
HesawthelooksofmutualunderstandingandsecuretriumphthatEarlDouglasexchangedwithGardiner，anditmadehimmistrustfultonoticethatthefavoritesoftheking，atothertimessojealous，didnotseemtobeatalldisturbedbytheextraordinarymarksoffavorwhichtheHowardswereenjoyingthisevening。
OnceheheardhowGardineraskedWriothesley，ashepassedby，\"AndthesoldiersoftheTower？\"andhowherepliedjustaslaconically，\"Theystandnearthecoach，andwait。\"
Itwas，therefore，perfectlyclearthatsomebodywouldbecommittedtoprisonthisveryday。Therewas，therefore，amongthelaughing，richly-attired，andjestingguestsofthiscourt，onewhothisverynight，whenheleftthesehallsradiantwithsplendorandpleasure，wastobeholdthedarkandgloomychambersoftheTower。
Theonlyquestionwas，whothatonewasforwhomthebrilliantcomedyofthiseveningwastobechangedtososadadrama。
JohnHeywoodfelthisheartoppressedwithanunaccountableapprehension，andtheking\'sextraordinarytendernesstowardthequeenterrifiedhim。
AsnowhesmiledonCatharine，ashenowstrokedhercheeks，sohadthekingsmiledonAnneBoleyninthesamehourthatheorderedherarrest；sohadhestrokedBuckingham\'scheekonthesamedaythathesignedhisdeath-warrant。
Thefoolwasalarmedatthisbrilliantfeast，resoundingmusic，andthemadmerrimentoftheking。Hewashorrifiedatthelaughingfacesandfrivolousjests，whichcamestreamingfromallthosemirthfullips。
OHeaven！theylaughed，anddeathwasinthemidstofthem；theylaughed，andthegatesoftheTowerwerealreadyopenedtoadmitoneofthosemerryguestsofthekingintothathousewhichnooneinthosedaysofHenrytheEighthleftagain，savetogotothestakeortoascendthescaffold！
Whowasthecondemned？Forwhomwerethesoldiersbelowatthecarriagewaiting？JohnHeywoodinvainrackedhisbrainwiththisquestion。
Nowherecouldhespyatracethatmightleadhimontherighttrack；
nowhereaclewthatmightconducthimthroughthislabyrinthofhorrors。
\"Whenyouareafraidofthedevil，youdowelltoputyourselfunderhisimmediateprotection，\"mutteredJohnHeywood；andsadanddespondentatheart，hecreptbehindtheking\'sthroneandcroucheddownbyitontheground。
JohnHeywoodhadsuchalittle，diminutiveform，andtheking\'sthronewassolargeandbroad，thatitaltogetherconcealedthelittlecrouchingfool。
NoonehadnoticedthatJohnHeywoodwasconcealedtherebehindtheking。Nobodysawhislarge，keeneyespeepingoutfrombehindthethroneandsurveyingandwatchingthewholehall。
JohnHeywoodcouldseeeverythingandheareverythinggoingoninthevicinityoftheking。Hecouldobserveeveryonewhoapproachedthequeen。
HesawLadyJanelikewise，whowasstandingbythequeen\'sseat。HesawhowEarlDouglasdrewnearhisdaughter，andhowsheturneddeadlypaleashesteppeduptoher。
JohnHeywoodheldhisbreathandlistened。
EarlDouglasstoodnearhisdaughter，andnoddedtoherwithapeculiarsmile。\"Go，now，Jane，goandchangeyourdress。Itistime。OnlyseehowimpatientlyandlonginglyHenryHowardisalreadylookingthisway，andwithwhatlanguishingandenamoredglancesheseemstogiveahinttothequeen。Gothen，Jane，andthinkofyourpromise。\"
\"Andwillyou，myfather，alsothinkofyourpromise？\"inquiredLadyJane，withtremblinglips。\"Willnodangerthreatenhim？\"
\"Iwill，Jane。Butnowmakehaste，mydaughter，andbeprudentandadroit。\"
LadyJanebowed，andmurmuredafewunintelligiblewords。Thensheapproachedthequeen，andbeggedpermissiontoretirefromthefeast，becauseasevereindispositionhadsuddenlyovertakenher。
LadyJane\'scountenancewassopaleanddeathlike，thatthequeenmightwellbelieveintheindispositionofherfirstmaidofhonor，andsheallowedhertoretire。LadyJaneleftthehall。ThequeencontinuedtheconversationwithLordHertford，whowasstandingbyher。Itwasaverylivelyandwarmconversation，andthequeenthereforedidnotheedwhatwaspassingaroundher；andsheheardnothingoftheconversationbetweenthekingandEarlDouglas。
JohnHeywood，stillcrouchingbehindtheking\'sthrone，observedeverythingandheardeverywordofthissoftlywhisperedconversation。
\"Sire，\"saidEarlDouglas，\"itislateandthehourofmidnightisdrawingnigh。Willyourmajestybepleasedtoconcludethefeast？
Foryouwellknowthatatmid-nightwemustbeoverthereinthegreensummer-house，anditisalongwaythere。\"
\"Yes，yes，atmidnight！\"mutteredtheking。\"Atmidnightthecarnivalisatanend；andweshalltearoffourmask，andshowourwrathfulcountenancetothecriminals！Atmidnightwemustbeoverinthegreensummer-house。Yes，Douglas，wemustmakehaste；foritwouldbecrueltoletthetenderSurreywaitstilllonger。SowewillgivehisGeraldinelibertytoleavethefeast；andweourselvesmustbeginourjourney。Ah，Douglas，itisahardpaththatwehavetotread，andthefuriesandgodsofvengeancebearourtorches。Towork，then——towork！\"
Thekingarosefromhisseat，andsteppedtothequeen，towhomhepresentedhishandwithatendersmile。
\"Mylady，itislate，\"saidhe；\"andwe，whoarekingofsomanysubjects——weare，nevertheless，inturn，thesubjectofaking。Thisisthephysician，andwemustobeyhim。Hehasorderedmetoseekmycouchbeforemidnight，and，asaloyalsubjectmustdo，Iobey。Wewishyou，therefore，agood-night，Kate；andmayyourbeautifuleyesonthemorrowalsoshineasstarlikeastheydoto-night。\"
\"Theywillshineto-morrowasto-night，ifmylordandhusbandisstillasgracioustometo-morrowasto-day，\"saidCatharine，withperfectartlessnessandwithoutembarrassment，asshegaveherhandtotheking。Henrycastonherasuspicious，searchinglook，andapeculiar，maliciousexpressionwasmanifestedinhisface。
\"Doyoubelievethen，Kate，thatwecaneverbeungracioustoyou？\"
askedhe。
\"Astothat，Ithink，\"saidshe，withasmile，\"thateventhesundoesnotalwaysshine；andthatagloomynightalwayssucceedshissplendor。\"
Thekingdidnotreply。Helookedhersteadilyintheface，andhisfeaturessuddenlyassumedagentlerexpression。
Perhapshehadcompassiononhisyoungwife。Perhapshefeltpityforheryouthandherenchantingsmile，whichhadsooftenrevivedandrefreshedhisheart。
EarlDouglasatleastfearedso。
\"Sire，\"saidhe，\"itislate。Thehourofmidnightisdrawingnigh。\"
\"Thenletusgo，\"exclaimedtheking，withasigh。\"Yesonceagain，good-night，Kate！Nay，donotaccompanyme！Iwillleavethehallquiteunobserved；andIshallbepleased，ifmyguestswillstillprolongthefairfeasttillmorning。Allofyouremainhere！NoonebutDouglasaccompaniesme。\"
\"Andyourbrother，thefool！\"saidJohnHeywood，wholongbeforehadcomeoutofhishiding-placeandwasnowstandingbytheking。\"Yes，come，brotherHenry；letusquitthisfeast。Itisnotbecomingforwisemenofoursorttograntourpresencestilllongertothefeastoffools。Cometoyourcouch，king，andIwilllullyoureartosleepwiththesayingsofmywisdom，andenlivenyoursoulwiththemannaofmylearning。\"
WhileJohnHeywoodthusspoke，itdidnotescapehimthatthefeaturesoftheearlsuddenlycloudedandadarkfrownsettledonhisbrow。
\"Spareyourwisdomforto-day，John，\"saidtheking；\"foryouwouldindeedbepreachingonlytodeafears。Iamtired，andIrequirenotyourerudition，butsleep。Good-night，John。\"
Thekingleftthehall，leaningonEarlDouglas\'sarm。
\"EarlDouglasdoesnotwishmetoaccompanytheking，\"whisperedJohnHeywood。\"Heisafraidthekingmightblabouttomealittleofthatdiabolicalworkwhichtheywillcommenceatmidnight。Well，Icallthedevil，aswellastheking，mybrother，andwithhishelpItoowillbeinthegreen-roomatmidnight。Ah，thequeenisretiring；andthereistheDukeofNorfolkleavingthehall。Ihaveaslightlongingtoseewhetherthedukegoeshenceluckilyandwithoutdanger，orifthesoldierswhostandnearthecoach，asWriothesleysays，willperchancebetheduke\'sbodyguardforthisnight。\"
Slippingoutofthehallwiththequicknessofacat，JohnHeywoodpassedthedukeintheanteroomandhurriedontotheoutergateway，beforewhichthecarriagesweredrawnup。
JohnHeywoodleanedagainstapillarandwatched。Afewminutes，andtheduke\'stallandproudformappearedintheentrance-hall；andthefootman，hurryingforward，calledhiscarriage。
Thecarriagerolledup；thedoorwasopened。
Twomenwrappedinblackmantlessatbythecoachman；twoothersstoodbehindasfootmen，whileafifthwasbytheopendoorofthecarriage。
Thedukefirstnoticedhimashisfoothadalreadytouchedthestepofthecarriage。
\"Thisisnotmyequipage！Thesearenotmypeople！\"saidhe；andhetriedtostepback。Butthepretendedservantforcedhimviolentlyintothecarriageandshutthedoor。\"Forward！\"orderedhe。Thecarriagerolledon。Amomentstill，JohnHeywoodsawtheduke\'spalefaceappearattheopencarriagewindow，anditseemedtohimasthoughhewerestretchingouthisarms，callingforhelp——thenthecarriagedisappearedinthenight。\"Poorduke！\"murmuredJohnHeywood。\"ThegatesoftheTowerareheavy，andyourarmwillnotbestrongenoughtoopenthemagain，whentheyhaveonceclosedbehindyou。Butitavailsnothingtothinkmoreabouthimnow。Thequeenisalsoindanger。Away，then，tothequeen！\"
WithfleetfootJohnHeywoodhastenedbackintothecastle。Throughpassagesandcorridorsheslippedhurriedlyalong。
Nowhestoodinthecorridorwhichledtotheapartmentsofthequeen。
\"Iwillconstituteherguardto-night，\"mutteredJohnHeywood，ashehidhimselfinoneofthenichesinthecorridor。\"Thefoolbyhisprayerswillkeepfarfromthedoorofhissaintthetricksofthedevil，andprotectherfromthesnareswhichthepiousBishopGardinerandthecraftycourtierDouglaswanttolayforherfeet。
Myqueenshallnotfallandberuined。Thefoolyetlivestoprotecther。\"
CHAPTERXXXI。
THEQUEEN
FromthenicheinwhichJohnHeywoodhadhidhimselfhecouldsurveytheentirecorridorandallthedoorsopeningintoit——couldseeeverythingandheareverythingwithoutbeinghimselfseen，fortheprojectingpilastercompletelyshadedhim。
SoJohnHeywoodstoodandlistened。Allwasquietinthecorridor。
Inthedistancewasnowandthenheardthedeadenedsoundofthemusic；andtheconfusedhumofmanyvoicesfromthefestivehallsforceditswaytothelistener\'sear。
ThiswastheonlythingthatJohnHeywoodperceived。Allelsewasstill。Butthisstillnessdidnotlastlong。Thecorridorwaslightedup，andthesoundofrapidlyapproachingfootstepswasheard。
Itwasthegold-lacedlackeys，whoborethelargesilvercandelabratolightthequeen，who，withhertrainofladies，waspassingthroughthecorridor。
Shelookedwondrouslybeautiful。Theglareofthecandlesbornebeforeherilluminedhercountenance，whichbeamedwithcheerfulness。AsshepassedthepillarbehindwhichJohnHeywoodwasstanding，shewastalkinginunrestrainedgayetywithhersecondmaidofhonor；andaclearandlivelylaughrangfromherlips，whichdisclosedbothrowsofherdazzlingwhiteteeth。Hereyessparkled；hercheckswereflushedwitharichred；brightasstarsglitteredthediamondsinthediademthatencircledherloftybrow；
likeliquidgoldshoneherdressofgoldbrocade，thelongtrailofwhich，trimmedwithblackermine，wasbornebytwolovelypages。
Arrivedatthedoorofherbed-chamber，thequeendismissedherpagesandlackeys，andpermittedonlythemaidofhonortocrossthethresholdofherchamberwithher。
Inharmlessgossipthepagesglideddownthecorridorandthestaircase。Thencamethelackeyswhoborethecandelabra。Theyalsoleftthecorridor。
Nowallwasquietagain。StillJohnHeywoodstoodandlistened，firmlyresolvedtospeaktothequeenyetthatnight，evenshouldhebeobligedtowakeherfromsleep。Onlyhewantedtowaittillthemaidofhonoralsohadleftthequeen\'sroom。
Nowthedooropened，andthemaidofhonorcameout。Shecrossedthecorridortothatsidewhereherownapartmentsweresituated。JohnHeywoodheardheropenthedoorandthenslidetheboltontheinside。
\"Nowbutabrieftimelonger，andIwillgotothequeen，\"mutteredJohnHeywood。
Hewasjustgoingtoleavehislurking-place，whenheperceivedanoiseasifadoorwereslowlyandcautiouslyopened。
JohnHeywoodcoweredagainclosebehindthepillar，andheldhisbreathtolisten。
Abrightlightfelloverthecorridor。Adresscamerustlingnearerandnearer。
JohnHeywoodgazedastoundedandamazedatthefigure，whichjustbrushedpastwithoutseeinghim。
ThatfigurewasLadyJaneDouglas——LadyJane，who，onaccountofindisposition，hadretiredfromthefeastinordertobetakeherselftorest。Now，whenallrested，shewatched——whenalllaidasidetheirfestivegarments，shehadadornedherselfwiththesame。Likethequeen，sheworeadressofgoldbrocade，trimmedwithermine，and，likeher，adiademofdiamondsadornedLadyJane\'sbrow。
Nowshestoodbeforethequeen\'sdoorandlistened。Thenafiercesneerflittedacrossherdeathlypaleface，andherdarkeyesflashedstillmore。
\"Shesleeps，\"mutteredshe。\"Onlysleep，queen——sleeptillweshallcometowakeyou！Sleep，sothatIcanwakeforyou。\"
Sheraisedherarmthreateninglytowardthedoor，andwildlyshookherhead。Herlongblackringletsencircledanddancedaroundhersullenbrowlikethesnakesofthefuries；andpaleandcolorless，andwithdemon-likebeauty，sheresembledaltogetherthegoddessofvengeance，inscornfultriumphpreparingtotreadhervictimbeneathherfeet。
Withalowlaughshenowglidedadownthecorridor，butnottothatstaircaseyonder，butfartherdowntotheend，whereonthewallhungalife-sizepictureofHenrytheSixth。Shepressedonaspring；thepictureflewopen，andthroughthedoorconcealedbehinditLadyJaneleftthecorridor。
\"Sheisgoingtothegreen-roomtoameetingwithHenryHoward！\"
whisperedJohnHeywood，whonowsteppedforthfrombehindthepillar。\"Oh，nowIcomprehenditall；nowthewholeofthisdevilishplotiscleartome；LadyJaneisEarlSurrey\'slady-love，andtheywanttomakethekingbelievethatitisthequeen。DoubtlessthisSurreyiswiththemintheconspiracy，andperhapshewillcallJaneDouglasbythenameofthequeen。Theywillletthekingseeherbutamoment。Shewearsagoldbrocadedressandadiamonddiademlikethequeen；andtherebytheyhopetodeceiveHenry。Shehasthequeen\'sformprecisely；andeverybodyknowstheastonishingsimilarityandlikenessofLadyJane\'svoicetothatofthequeen。
Oh，oh，itisatolerablycunningplot！Butneverthelessyoushallnotsucceed，andyoushallnotyetgainthevictory。Patience，onlypatience！Welikewisewillbeinthegreen-room，andfacetofacewiththisroyalcounterfeitwewillplacethegenuinequeen！\"
WithhurriedstepJohnHeywoodalsoleftthecorridor，whichwasnowlonelyandstill，forthequeenhadgonetorest。
Yes，thequeenslept，andyetoveryonderinthegreen-roomeverythingwaspreparedforherreception。
Itwastobeaverybrilliantandextraordinaryreception；fortheking，inhisownperson，hadbetakenhimselftothatwingofthecastle，andthechiefmasterofceremonies，EarlDouglas，hadaccompaniedhim。
Totheking，thisexcursion，whichhehadtomakeonfoot，hadbeenverytroublesome；andthisinconveniencehadmadehimonlystillmorefuriousandexcited，andthelasttraceofcompassionforhisqueenhaddisappearedfromtheking\'sbreast，foronCatharine\'saccounthehadbeenobligedtomakethislongjourneytothegreen-
room；andwithagrimjoyHenrythoughtonlyhowterriblewastobehispunishmentforHenryHowardandalsoforCatharine。
NowthatEarlDouglashadbroughthimhither，thekingnolongerhadanydoubtsatallofthequeen\'sguilt。Itwasnolongeranaccusation——itwasproof。ForneverintheworldwouldEarlDouglashavedaredtobringhim，theking，hither，ifhewerenotcertainthathewouldgivehimhereinfallibleproofs。
Theking，therefore，nolongerdoubted；atlastHenryHowardwasinhispower，andhecouldnomoreescapehim。Sohewascertainofbeingabletobringthesetwohatedenemiestotheblock，andoffeelinghissleepnolongeddisturbedbythoughtsofhistwopowerfulrivals。
TheDukeofNorfolkhadalreadypassedthegatesoftheTower，andhissonmustsoonfollowhimthither。
Atthisthoughtthekingfeltanecstasysosavageandbloodthirsty，thatbewhollyforgotthatthesameswordthatwastostrikeHenryHoward\'sheadwasdrawnonhisqueenalso。
Theywerenowstandinginthegreen-room，andthekingleanedpantingandmoaningonEarlDouglas\'sarm。
Thelargewideroom，withitsantiquefurnitureanditsfadedglory，wasonlygloomilyandscantilylightedinthemiddlebythetwowaxcandlesofthecandelabrumthatEarlDouglashadbroughtwithhim；
whilefurtherawayitwasenvelopedindeepgloom，andseemedtotheeyethroughthisgloomtostretchouttoaninterminablelength。
\"Throughthedoorovertherecomesthequeen，\"saidDouglas；andhehimselfshrankattheloudsoundofhisvoice，whichinthelarge，desolateroombecameofawfulfulness。\"Andthat，there，isHenryHoward\'sentrance。Oh，heknowsthatpathverythoroughly；forhehasoftenenoughalreadytravelleditinthedarknight，andhisfootnolongerstumblesonanystoneofoffence！\"
\"Buthewillperchancestumbleontheheadsman\'sblock！\"mutteredtheking，withacruellaugh。
\"Inowtakethelibertyofaskingonequestionmore，\"saidDouglas；
andthekingdidnotsuspecthowstormilytheearl\'sheartbeatatthisquestion。\"Isyourmajestysatisfiedtoseetheearlandthequeenmaketheirappearanceatthismeeting？Or，doyoudesiretolistentoalittleoftheearl\'stenderprotestations？\"
\"Iwillhearnotalittle，butall！\"saidtheking。\"Ah，letusallowtheearlyettosinghisswan-likesongbeforeheplungesintotheseaofblood！\"
\"Then，\"saidEarlDouglas，\"thenwemustputoutthislight，andyourmajestymustbecontentmerelytoheartheguiltyones，andnottoseethemalso。Wewillthenbetakeourselvestotheboudoirhere，whichIhaveopenedforthispurpose，andinwhichisaneasy-chairforyourmajesty。Wewillplacethischairneartheopendoor，andthenyourmajestywillbeabletoheareverywordoftheirtenderwhisperings。\"
\"Buthowshallwe，ifweextinguishthisouronlylight，atlastattaintoasightofthisdearlovingpair，andbeabletoaffordthemthedramaticsurpriseofourpresence？\"
\"Sire，assoonastheEarlofSurreyenters，twentymenoftheking\'sbodyguardwilloccupytheanteroomthroughwhichtheearlmustpass；anditneedsbutacallfromyoutohavethementerthehallwiththeirtorches。Ihavetakencarealsothatbeforetheprivatebackgateofthepalacetwocoachesstandready，thedriversofwhichknowverywellthestreetthatleadstotheTower！\"
\"Twocoaches？\"saidtheking，laughing。\"Ah，ah，Douglas，howcruelwearetoseparatethetender，lovingpaironthisjourneywhichisyettobetheirlast！Well，perhapswecancompensatethemforit，andallowtheseturtledovestomakethelasttrip——thetriptothestake——together。No，no，wewillnotseparatethemindeath。
Togethertheymaylaytheirheadsontheblock。\"
Thekinglaughed，quitedelightedwithhisjest，while，leaningontheearl\'sarm，hecrossedtothelittleboudoirontheotherside，andtookhisplaceinthearmchairsetnearthedoor。
\"Nowwemustextinguishthelight；andmayitpleaseyourmajestytoawaitinsilencethethingsthataretocome。\"
Theearlextinguishedthelight，anddeepdarknessandagrave-likestillnessnowfollowed。
Butthisdidnotlastlong。Nowwasheardquitedistinctlythesoundoffootsteps。Theycamenearerandnearer——nowadoorwasheardtoopenandshutagain，anditwasasthoughsomeonewerecreepingsoftlyalongonhistoesinthehall。
\"HenryHoward！\"whisperedDouglas。
Thekingcouldscarcelyrestrainthecryofsavage，maliciousdelightthatforceditswaytohislips。
Thehatedenemywastheninhispower；hewasconvictedofthecrime；hewasinevitablylost。
\"Geraldine！\"whisperedavoice，\"Geraldine！\"
Andasifhislowcallhadalreadybeensufficienttodrawhitherthelovedone，thesecretdoorherequiteclosetotheboudoiropened。Therustlingofadresswasverydistinctlyheard，andthesoundoffootsteps。
\"Geraldine！\"repeatedEarlSurrey。
\"HereIam，myHenry！\"
Withanexclamationofdelight，thewomanrushedforwardtowardthesoundofthelovedvoice。
\"Thequeen！\"mutteredHenry；andinspiteofhimselfhefelthisheartseizedwithbittergrief。
Hesawwithhisinwardeyehowtheyheldeachotherintheirembrace。Heheardtheirkissesandthelowwhisperoftheirtendervows，andalltheagoniesofjealousyandwrathfilledhissoul。Butyetthekingprevaileduponhimselftobesilentandswallowdownhisrage。Hewantedtoheareverything，toknoweverything。
Heclenchedhishandsconvulsively，andpressedhislipsfirmlytogethertoholdinhispantingbreath。Hewantedtohear。
Howhappytheybothwere！Henryhadwhollyforgottenthathehadcometoreproachherforherlongsilence；shedidnotthinkaboutthisbeingthelasttimeshemightseeherlover。
Theywerewitheachother，andthishourwastheirs。Whatdidthewholeworldmattertothem？Whatcaredtheywhetherornotmischiefandruinthreatenedthemhereafter？
Theysatbyeachotheronthedivan，quiteneartheboudoir。Theyjestedandlaughed；andHenryHowardkissedawaythetearsthatthehappinessofthepresentcausedhisGeraldinetoshed。
Hesworetohereternalandunchanginglove。Inblissfulsilenceshedrankinthemusicofhiswords；andthenshereiterated，withjubilantjoy，hisvowsoflove。
Thekingcouldscarcelyrestrainhisfury。
TheheartofEarlDouglasleapedwithsatisfactionandgratification。\"AluckythingthatJanehasnosuspicionofourpresence，\"thoughthe——\"otherwiseshewouldhavebeenlessunrestrainedandardent，andtheking\'searwouldhaveimbibedlesspoison。\"
LadyJanethoughtnotatallofherfather；shescarcelyrememberedthatthisverynightwoulddestroyherhatedrivalthequeen。
HenryHowardhadcalledherhisGeraldineonly。Janehadentirelyforgotthatitwasnotshetowhomherloverhadgiventhisname。
Buthehimselffinallyremindedherofit。
\"Doyouknow，Geraldine，\"saidEarlSurrey——andhisvoice，whichhadbeenhithertosocheerfulandsprightly，wasnowsad——\"doyouknow，Geraldine，thatIhavehaddoubtsofyou？Oh，thosewerefrightful，horriblehours；andintheagonyofmyheartIcameatlasttotheresolutionofgoingtothekingandaccusingmyselfofthislovethatwasconsumingmyheart。Oh，fearnaught！Iwouldnothaveaccusedyou。Iwouldhaveevendeniedthatlovewhichyouhavesooftenandwithsuchtransportingrealitysworntome。IwouldhavedoneitinordertoseewhethermyGeraldinecouldatlastgaincourageandstrengthtolover。Hesawhowhepressedherhandstohislips；howheputhishandtoherheadtoraiseitfromthefloor。
Thekingwasspeechlesswithrage。Hecouldonlylifthisarmtobeckonthesoldierstoapproach；topointtoHenryHoward，whohadnotyetsucceededinraisingthequeen\'sheadfromthefloor。
\"Arresthim！\"saidEarlDouglas，lendingwordstotheking\'smutesign。\"Intheking\'snamearresthim，andconducthimtotheTower！\"
\"Yes，arresthim！\"saidtheking；and，aswithyouthfulspeedhewalkeduptoHenryHowardandputhishandheavilyonhisshoulder，hewithterriblecalmnesscontinued:\"HenryHoward，yourwishshallbefulfilled；youshallmountthescaffoldforwhichyouhavesomuchlonged！\"
Theearl\'snoblecountenanceremainedcalmandunmoved；hisbrightbeamingeyefearlesslyencounteredtheeyeofthekingflashingwithwrath。
\"Sire，\"saidhe，\"mylifeisinyourhand，andIverywellknowthatyouwillnotspareit。Idonotevenaskyoutodoso。Butsparethisnobleandbeautifulwoman，whoseonlycrimeisthatshehasfollowedthevoiceofherheart。Sire，Ialoneamtheguiltyone。
Punishme，then——tortureme，ifyoulike——butbemercifultoher。\"
Thekingbrokeoutintoaloudlaugh。\"Ah，hebegsforher！\"saidhe。\"ThislittleEarlSurreypresumestothinkthathissentimentallove-plaintcanexerciseaninfluenceontheheartofhisjudge！No，no，HenryHoward；youknowmebetter。Yousay，indeed，thatIamacruelman，andthatbloodcleavestomycrown。Well，now，itisourpleasuretosetinourcrownanewblood-redruby；andifwewanttotakeitfromGeraldine\'sheart\'sblood，yoursonnetswillnothinderusfromdoingso，mygoodlittleearl。ThatisallthereplyIhavetomaketoyou；andIthinkitwillbethelasttimethatweshallmeetonearth！\"
\"Thereaboveweshallseeeachotheragain，KingHenryofEngland！\"
saidEarlSurrey，solemnly。\"ThereButstillthishourwashers，andshewouldenjoyit。Sheclungfasttohisbreast；shedrewhimwithirresistibleforcetoherheart，whichnowtremblednolongerforlove，butfromanamelessanxiety。
\"Letusfly！Letusfly！\"repeatedshe，breathlessly。See！Thishourisyetours。Letusavailourselvesofit；forwhoknowswhetherthenextwillstillbelongtous？\"
\"No！itisnolongeryours，\"yelledtheking，ashespranglikearousedlionfromhisseat。\"Yourhoursarenumbered，andthenextalreadybelongstothehangman！\"
ApiercingshriekburstfromGeraldine\'slips。Thenwasheardadullfall。
\"Shehasfainted，\"mutteredEarlDouglas。
\"Geraldine，Geraldine，mylovedone！\"criedHenryHoward。\"MyGod，myGod！sheisdying！Youhavekilledher！Woetoyou！\"
\"Woetoyourself！\"saidtheking，solemnly。\"Herewiththelight！
Here，youfolks！\"
Thedooroftheanteroomopened，andinitappearedfoursoldierswithtorchesintheirhands。
\"Lightthecandles，andguardthedoor！\"saidtheking，whosedazzledeyeswerenotyetabletobearthisbrightglareoflightwhichnowsuddenlystreamedthroughtheroom。
Thesoldiersobeyedhisorders。Apauseensued。Thekinghadputhishandbeforehiseyes，andwasstrugglingforbreathandself-
control。
Whenatlengthhelethishandglidedown，hisfeatureshadassumedaperfectlycalm，almostasereneexpression。
Withahastyglancehesurveyedtheroom。Hesawthequeeninherdressglisteningwithgold；hesawhowshelayonthefloor，stretchedatfulllength，herfaceturnedtotheground，motionlessandrigid。
HesawHenryHoward，whokneltbyhisbelovedandwasbusyaboutherwithalltheanxietyandagonyofaacknowledgeherloveopenlyandfrankly；whetherherhearthadthepowertoburstthatironbandwhichthedeceitfulrulesoftheworldhadplacedaroundit；whethershewouldacknowledgeherloverwhenhewaswillingtodieforher。
Yes，Geraldine，Iwantedtodoit，thatImightfinallyknowwhichfeelingisstrongerinyou——loveorpride——andwhetheryoucouldthenstillpreservethemaskofindifference，whendeathwashoveringoveryourlover\'shead。Oh，Geraldine，Ishoulddeemitafairerfatetodieunitedwithyou，thantobeobligedtostilllongerendurethislifeofconstraintandhatefuletiquette。\"
\"No，no，\"saidshe，trembling，\"wewillnotdie。MyGod，lifeisindeedsobeautifulwhenyouarebymyside！Andwhoknowswhetherafelicitousandblissfulfuturemaynotstillawaitus？\"
\"Oh，shouldwedie，thenshouldwebecertainofthisblissfulfuture，myGeraldine。There，above，thereisnomoreseparation——nomorerenunciationforus。Thereabove，youaremine，andthebloodyimageofyourhusbandnolongerstandsbetweenus。\"
\"Itshallnolongerdoso，evenhereonearth，\"whisperedGeraldine。
\"Come，mybeloved；letusflyfar，farhence，wherenooneknowsus——
wherewecancastfromusallthishatedsplendor，toliveforeachotherandforlove。\"
Shethrewherarmsaboutherlover，andintheecstasyofherloveshehadwhollyforgottenthatshecouldneverindeedthinktofleewithhim，thathebelongedtoheronlysolongashesawhernot。
Aninexplicableanxietyoverpoweredherheart；andinthisanxietysheforgoteverything——eventhequeenandthevengeanceshehadvowed。
Shenowrememberedherfather\'swords，andshetrembledforherlover\'slife。
Ifnowherfatherhadnottoldherthetruth——ifnowhehadnotwithstandingsacrificedHenryHowardinordertoruinthequeen——
ifshewasnotabletosavehim，andthroughherfaultheweretoperishonthescaffold——aboveHenrytheEighthwillnomorebethejudge，butthecondemnedcriminal；andyourbloodyandaccurseddeedswillwitnessagainstyou！\"
Thekinglaughed。\"Youavailyourselfofyouradvantage，\"saidhe。
\"Becauseyouhavenothingmoretoloseandthescaffoldissureofyou，youdonotstickatheapingupthemeasureofyoursinsalittlemore，andyourevileyourlegitimate，God-appointedking！Butyoushouldbearinmind，earl，thatbeforethescaffoldthereisyettherack，andthatitisverypossibleindeedthatapainfulquestionmighttherebeputtothenobleEarlSurrey，towhichhisagoniesmightpreventhimfromreturningananswer。Now，awaywithyou！Wehavenothingmoretosaytoeachotheronearth！\"
Hemotionedtothesoldiers，whoapproachedtheEarlofSurrey。Astheyreachedtheirhandstowardhim，heturnedonthemalooksoproudandcommandingthattheyinvoluntarilyrecoiledastep。
\"Followme！\"saidHenryHoward，calmly；and，withoutevendeigningthekingasinglelookmore，withheadproudlyerect，hewalkedtothedoor。
Geraldinestilllayontheground——herfaceturnedtothefloor。Shestirrednot。Sheseemedtohavefallenintoadeepswoon。
OnlyasthedoorwithasullensoundclosedbehindEarlSurrey，alowwailandmoanwasperceived——suchasiswonttostruggleforthatthelasthourfromthebreastofthedying。
Thekingdidnotheedit。Hestillgazed，witheyessternandflashingwithanger，towardthedoorthroughwhichEarlSurreyhadpassed。
\"Heisunyielding，\"mutteredhe。\"Noteventherackaffrightshim；
andinhisblasphemoushaughtinesshemovesalonginthemidstofthesoldiers，notasaprisoner，butasacommander。Oh，theseHowardsaredestinedtotormentme；andeventheirdeathwillscarcelybeafullsatisfactiontome。\"
\"Sire，\"saidEarlDouglas，whohadobservedthekingwithakeen，penetratingeye，andknewthathehadnowreachedtheheightofhiswrath，atwhichheshrankfromnodeedofviolenceandnocruelty——
\"sire，youhavesentEarlSurreytotheTower。Butwhatshallbedonewiththequeen，wholiesthereonthefloorinaswoon？\"
Thekingrousedhimselffromhisreverie；andhisbloodshoteyeswerefixedonGeraldine\'smotionlessformwithsodarkanexpressionofhateandrage，thatEarlDouglasexultinglysaidtohimself:\"Thequeenislost！Hewillbeinexorable！\"
\"Ah，thequeen！\"criedHenry，withasavagelaugh。\"Yea，verily，I
forgotthequeen。IdidnotthinkofthischarmingGeraldine！Butyouareright，Douglas；wemustthinkofherandoccupyourselvesalittlewithher！Didyounotsaythatasecondcoachwasready？
Well，then，wewillnothinderGeraldinefromaccompanyingherbeloved。Sheshallbewhereheis——intheTower，andonthescaffold！Wewillthereforewakethissentimentalladyandshowherthelastdutyofacavalierbyconductinghertohercarriage！\"
Hewasabouttoapproachthefigureofthequeenlyingonthefloor。
EarlDouglasheldhimback。
\"Sire，\"saidhe，\"itismyduty——asyourfaithfulsubject，wholovesyouandtremblesforyourwelfare——itismydutytoimploreyoutospareyourselfandpreserveyourpreciousandadoredpersonfromthevenomousstingofangerandgrief。Iconjureyou，therefore，donotdeigntolookagainonthiswoman，whohassodeeplyinjuredyou。
Givemeyourorders——whatamItodowithher——andallowmefirstofalltoaccompanyyoutoyourapartments。\"
\"Youareright，\"saidtheking，\"sheisnotworthyofhavingmyeyesrestonheragain；andsheiseventoocontemptibleformyanger！Wewillcallthesoldiersthattheymayconductthistraitoressandadulteresstothetower，astheyhavedoneherparamour。\"
\"Yetforthatthereisneededstillaformality。ThequeenwillnotbeadmittedintotheTowerwithouttheking\'swrittenandsealedorder。\"
\"ThenIwilldrawupthatorder。\"
\"Sire，inthatcabinetyondermaybefoundthenecessarywriting-
materials，ifitpleaseyourmajesty。\"
Thekingleanedinsilenceontheearl\'sarm，andallowedhimselftobeledagainintothecabinet。
WithofficioushasteEarlDouglasmadethenecessaryarrangements。
Herolledthewriting-tableuptotheking；heplacedthelargesheetofwhitepaperinorder，andslippedthepenintotheking\'shand。
\"WhatshallIwrite？\"askedtheking，who，bytheexertionofhisnight\'sexcursion，andofhisangerandvexation，beganatlengthtobeexhausted。
\"Anorderforthequeen\'simprisonment，sire。\"
Thekingwrote。EarlDouglasstoodbehindhim，witheagerattention，inbreathlessexpectation，hislooksteadilyfixedonthepaperoverwhichtheking\'shand，white，fleshy，andsparklingwithdiamonds，glidedalonginhastycharacters。
Hehadatlengthreachedhisgoal。Whenatlastheshouldholdinhishandthepaperwhichthekingwasthenwriting——whenhehadinducedHenrytoreturntohisapartmentsbeforetheimprisonmentofthequeenhadtakenplace——thenwashevictorious。Notthatwomantherewouldhethenimprison；but，withthewarrantinhishand，hewouldgototherealqueen，andtakehertotheTower。
OnceintheTower，thequeencouldnolongerdefendherself；forthekingwouldseehernomore；andifbeforetheParliamentsheprotestedherinnocenceineversosacredoaths，stilltheking\'stestimonymustconvicther；forhehadhimselfsurprisedherwithherparamour。
No，therewasnoescapeforthequeen。Shehadoncesucceededinclearingherselfofanaccusation，andprovingherinnocence，byarebuttingalibi。Butthistimeshewasirretrievablylost，andnoalibicoulddeliverher。
Thekingcompletedhisworkandarose，whilstDouglas，athiscommand，wasemployedinsettingtheking\'ssealtothefatalpaper。
Fromthehallwasheardaslightnoise，asthoughsomepersonwerecautiouslymovingaboutthere。
EarlDouglasdidnotnoticeit；hewasjustintheactofpressingthesignethardonthemeltedsealing-wax。
Thekingheardit，andsupposedthatitwasGeraldine，andthatshewasjustwakingfromherswoonandrising。
Hesteppedtothedoorofthehall，andlookedtowardtheplacewhereshewaslying。Butno——shehadnotyetrisen；shestilllaystretchedatfulllengthonthefloor。
\"Shehascometo；butshestillpretendstobeinaswoon，\"thoughttheking；andheturnedtoDouglas。
\"Wearedone，\"saidhe；\"thewarrantforimprisonmentisprepared，andthesentenceoftheadulterousqueenisspoken。Wehavedonewithherforever；andnevershallsheagainbeholdourface，oragainhearourvoice。Sheissentencedanddamned，andtheroyalmercyhasnothingmoretodowiththissinner。Acurseontheadulteress！Acurseontheshamelesswomanwhodeceivedherhusband，andgaveherselfuptoatraitorousparamour！Woetoher，andmayshameanddisgraceforevermarkhername，which——\"
Suddenlythekingstoppedandlistened。Thenoisethathehadheardjust，beforewasnowrepeatedlouderandquicker；itcamenearerandnearer。
Andnowthedooropenedandafigureentered——afigurewhichmadethekingstarewithastonishmentandadmiration。Itcamenearerandnearer，light，graceful，andwiththefreshnessofyouth；agold-
brocadedressenvelopedit；adiademofdiamondssparkledonthebrow；andbrighteryetthanthediamondsbeamedtheeyes。
\"No，thekingwasnotmistaken。Itwasthequeen，Shewasstandingbeforehim——andyetshestilllaymotionlessandstiffupontheflooryonder。
Thekingutteredacry，and，turningpale，reeledastepbackward。
\"Thequeen！\"exclaimedDouglas，interror；andhetrembledsoviolentlythatthepaperinhishandrattledandfluttered。
\"Yes，thequeen！\"saidCatharine，withahaughtysmile。\"Thequeen，whocomestoscoldherhusband，that，contrarytohisphysician\'sorders，hestillrefrainsfromhisslumbersatsolateanhourofthenight。\"
\"Andthefool！\"saidJohnHeywood，aswithhumorouspathoshesteppedforwardfrombehindthequeen——\"thefool，whocomestoaskEarlDouglashowhedareddepriveJohnHeywoodofhisoffice，andusurptheplaceofking\'sfooltoHenry，anddeceivehismostgraciousmajestywithallmannerofsillypranksandcarnivaltricks。\"
\"Andwho\"——askedtheking，inavoicequiveringwithrage，fasteninghisflashinglooksonDouglaswithanannihilatingexpression——\"
who，then，isthatwomanthere？Whohasdaredwithsuchcursedmummerytodeceivetheking，andcalumniatethequeen？\"
\"Sire，\"saidEarlDouglas，whoverywellknewthathisfutureandthatofhisdaughterdependedonthepresentmoment，andwhomthisconsciousnesshadspeedilyrestoredtohisself-possessionandcalmness——\"sire，Ibeseechyourmajestyforamomentofprivateexplanation；andIshallbeentirelysuccessfulinvindicatingmyself。\"
\"Donotgrantithim，brotherHenry，\"saidJohnHeywood；\"heisadangerousjuggler；andwhoknowswhetherhemaynotyet，inhisprivateconversation，convinceyouthatheisking，andyounothingmorethanhislickspittle，fawning，hypocriticalservantEarlArchibaldDouglas。\"
\"Mylordandhusband，Ibegyoutoheartheearl\'sjustification，\"
saidCatharine，assheextendedherhandtothekingwithabewitchingsmile。\"Itwouldbecrueltocondemnhimunheard，Iwillhearhim，butitshallbedoneinyourpresence，Kate，andyouyourselfshalldecidewhetherornothisjustificationissufficient。\"
\"Noindeed，myhusband；letmeremainanentirestrangertothisnight\'sconspiracy，sothatspiteandangermaynotfillmyheartandrobmeofthesupremeconfidencewhichIneed，tobeabletowalkonatyoursidehappyandsmilinginthemidstofmyenemies。\"
\"Youareright，Kate，\"saidtheking，thoughtfully。\"Youhavemanyenemiesatourcourt；andwehavetoaccuseourselvesthatwehavenotalwayssucceededinstoppingoureartotheirmaliciouswhisperings，andinkeepingourselvespurefromthepoisonousbreathoftheircalumny。Ourheartisstilltooartless，andwecannotevenyetcomprehendthatmenareadisgusting，corruptrace，whichoneshouldtreadbeneathhisfeet，butnevertaketohisheart。Come，EarlDouglas，Iwillhearyou；butwoetoyou，ifyouareunabletojustifyyourself！\"
Heretiredtotheembrasureofthelargewindowoftheboudoir。EarlDouglasfollowedhimthither，andlettheheavyvelvetcurtaindropbehindthem。
\"Sire，\"saidhe，hardilyandresolutely，\"thequestionnowisthis:
Whoseheadwouldyourathergiveovertotheexecutioner，mineortheEarlofSurrey\'s？Youhavethechoicebetweenthetwo。YouareawarethatIhaveventuredforamomenttodeceiveyou。Well，sendmetotheTowerthen，andsetfreethenobleHenryHoward，thathemayhenceforthdisturbyoursleepandpoisonyourdays；thathemayfurthercourttheloveofthepeople，andperhapssomedayrobyoursonofthethronethatbelongstohim。Hereismyhead，sire；itisforfeitedtotheheadsman\'saxe，andEarlSurreyisfree！\"
\"No，heisnotfree，andnevershallbe！\"saidtheking，grindinghisteeth。
\"Then，myking，Iamjustified；andinsteadofbeingangrywithme，youwillthankme？ItistrueIhaveplayedahazardousgame，butI
didsointheserviceofmyking。IdiditbecauseIlovedhim，andbecauseIreadonyourloftycloudedbrowthethoughtsthatbegirtwithdarknessmymaster\'ssoul，anddisturbedthesleepofhisnights。YouwantedtohaveHenryHowardinyourpower；andthiscraftyandhypocriticalearlknewhowtoconcealhisguiltsosecurelyunderthemaskofvirtueandloftinessofsoul！ButIknewhim，andbehindthismaskIhadseenhisfacedistortedwithpassionandcrime。Iwantedtounmaskhim；butforthis，itwasnecessarythatIshoulddeceivefirsthim，andthenforthehourevenyourself。Iknewthatheburnedwithanadulterousloveforthequeen，andIwantedtoavailmyselfofthemadnessofthispassion，inordertobringhimsurelyandunavoidablytoarichly-deservedpunishment。ButIwouldnotdrawthepureandexaltedpersonofthequeenintothisnetwithwhichwewantedtosurroundEarlSurrey。I
wasobliged，then，toseekasubstituteforher；andIdidso。Therewasatyourcourtawomanwhosewholeheartbelongs，afterGod，tothekingalone；andwhosomuchadoreshim，thatshewouldbereadyatanyhourgladlytosacrificeforthekingherheart\'sblood，herwholebeing——ay，ifneedbe，evenherhonoritself——awoman，sire，wholivesbyyoursmile，andworshipsyouasherredeemerandsavior——awomanwhomyoumight，asyoupleased，makeasaintorastrumpet；andwho，topleaseyou，wouldbeashamelessPhyrneorachasteveilednun。\"
\"Tellmehername，Douglas，\"saidtheking，\"tellmeit！Itisarareandpreciousstrokeoffortunetobesoloved；anditwouldbeasinnottowanttoenjoythisgoodfortune。\"
\"Sire，Iwilltellyouhernamewhenyouhavefirstforgivenme，\"
saidDouglas，whoseheartleapedforjoy，andwhowellunderstoodthattheking\'sangerwasalreadymollifiedandthedangernowalmostovercome。\"Isaidtothiswoman:\'Youaretodothekingagreatservice；youaretodeliverhimfromapowerfulanddangerousfoe！YouaretosavehimfromHenryHoward！\'\'TellmewhatImustdo！\'criedshe，herlooksbeamingwithjoy。\'HenryHowardlovesthequeen。Youmustbethequeentohim。Youmustreceivehisletters，andanswertheminthequeen\'sname。Youmustgranthiminterviewsbynight，and，favoredbythedarknessofthenight，makehimbelievethatitisthequeenwhomheholdsinhisarms。Hemustbeconvincedthatthequeenishislady-love；andinhisthoughts，asinhisdeeds，hemustbeplacedbeforethekingasatraitorandcriminalwhoseheadisforfeitedtotheheadsman\'saxe。OnedaywewillletthekingbeawitnessofameetingthatHenryHowardbelieveshehaswiththequeen；itwillthenbeinhispowertopunishhisenemyforhiscriminalpassion，whichisworthyofdeath！\'AndasIthusspoketothewoman，sire，shesaidwithasadsmile:\'Itisadisgracefulanddishonorablepartthatyouassignme；butIundertakeit，foryousayImaytherebyrenderaservicetotheking。Ishalldisgracemyselfforhim；buthewillperhapsbestowuponmeinreturnagracioussmile；andthenIshallbeabundantlyrewarded。\'\"
\"Butthiswomanisanangel！\"criedtheking，ardently——\"anangelwhomweshouldkneeltoandadore。Tellmehername，Douglas！\"
\"Sire，assoonasyouhaveforgivenme！Youknownowallmyguiltandallmycrime。For，asIbadethatnoblewoman，soitcametopass，andHenryHowardhasgonetotheTowerinthefirmbeliefthatitwasthequeenwhomhejustnowheldinhisarms。\"
\"Butwhydidyouleavemeinthisbelief，Douglas？Whydidyoufillmyheartwithwrathagainstthenobleandvirtuousqueenalso？\"
\"Sire，IdarednotrevealthedeceptiontoyoubeforeyouhadsentencedSurrey，foryournobleandjustmoralsensewouldhavebeenreluctanttopunishhimonaccountofacrimethathehadnotcommitted；andinyourfirstwrathyouwouldalsohaveblamedthisnoblewomanwhohassacrificedherselfforherking。\"
\"Itistrue，\"saidtheking，\"Ishouldhavemisjudgedthisnoblewoman，and，insteadofthankingher，Ishouldhavedestroyedher。\"
\"Therefore，myking，Iquietlyallowedyoutomakeoutanorderforthequeen\'sincarceration。Butyourememberwell，sire，Ibeggedyoutoreturntoyourapartmentsbeforethequeenwasarrested。Well，now，thereIshouldhavedisclosedtoyouthewholesecret，whichI
couldnottellyouinthepresenceofthatwoman。Forshewoulddieofshameifshesuspectedthatyouknewofherlovefortheking，sopureandself-sacrificing，andcherishedinsuchheroicsilence。\"
\"Sheshallneverknowit，Douglas！Butnowatlengthsatisfymydesire。Tellmehername。\"
\"Sire，youhaveforgivenme，then？YouarenolongerangrywithmethatIdaredtodeceiveyou？\"
\"Iamnolongerangrywithyou，Douglas；foryouhaveactedrightly。
Theplan，whichyouhavecontrivedandcarriedoutwithsuchhappyresults，wasascraftyasitwasdaring。\"
\"Ithankyou，sire；andIwillnowtellyouthename。Thatwoman，sire，whoatmywishgaveherselfupasacrificetothisadulterousearl，whoenduredhiskisses，hisembraces，hisvowsoflove，inordertorenderaservicetoherking——thatwomanwasmydaughter，LadyJaneDouglas！\"
\"LadyJane！\"criedtheking。\"No，no，thisisanewdeception。Thathaughty，chaste，andunapproachableLadyJane——thatwonderfullybeautifulmarblestatuereallyhasthenaheartinherbreast，andthatheartbelongstome？LadyJane，thepureandchastevirgin，hasmadeformethisprodigioussacrifice，ofreceivingthishatedSurreyasherlover，inorder，likeasecondDelilah，todeliverhimintomyhand？No，Douglas，youarelyingtome。LadyJanehasnotdonethat！\"
\"Mayitpleaseyourmajestytogoyourselfandtakealookatthatfaintingwoman，whowastoHenryHowardthequeen。\"
Thekingdidnotreplytohim；buthedrewbackthecurtainandreenteredthecabinet，inwhichthequeenwaswaitingwithJohnHeywood。
Henrydidnotnoticethem。Withyouthfulprecipitationhecrossedthecabinetandthehall。NowhestoodbythefigureofGeraldinestilllyingonthefloor。
Shewasnolongerinaswoon。Shehadlongsinceregainedherconsciousness；andterribleweretheagoniesandtorturesthatrentherheart。HenryHowardhadincurredthepenaltyoftheheadsman\'saxe，anditwasshethathadbetrayedhim。
Butherfatherhadsworntoherthatsheshouldsaveherlover。
Shedurstnotdiethen。ShemustlivetodeliverHenryHoward。
Therewereburning，asitwere，thefiresofhellinherpoorheart；
butshewasnotatlibertytoheedthesepains。Shecouldnotthinkofherself——onlyofhim——ofHenryHoward，whomshemustdeliver，whomshemustsavefromanignominiousdeath。
ForhimshesentupherferventprayerstoGod；forhimherhearttrembledwithanxietyandagony，asthekingnowadvancedtoher，and，bendingdown，gazedintohereyeswithastrangeexpression，atoncescrutinizingandsmiling。
\"LadyJane，\"saidhethen，ashepresentedherhishand，\"arisefromthegroundandallowyourkingtoexpresstoyouhisthanksforyoursublimeandwonderfulsacrifice！Verily，itisafairlottobeaking；forthenonehasatleastthepowerofpunishingtraitors，andofrewardingthosethatserveus。Ihaveto-daydonetheone，andI
willnotneglecttodotheotheralso。Standup，then，LadyJane；itdoesnotbecomeyoutolieonyourkneesbeforeme。\"
\"Oh，letmekneel，myking，\"saidshe，passionately；\"letmebeseechyouformercy，forpity！Havecompassion，KingHenry——compassionontheanxietyandagonywhichIendure。Itisnotpossiblethatthisisallareality！thatthisjugglingistobechangedintosuchterribleearnest！Tellme，KingHenry——IconjureyoubytheagonieswhichIsufferforyoursake——tellme，whatwillyoudowithHenryHoward？WhyhaveyousenthimtotheTower？\"
\"Topunishthetraitorashedeserves，\"saidtheking，ashecastadarkandangrylookacrossatDouglas，whohadalsoapproachedhisdaughter，andwasnowstandingclosebyher。
LadyJaneutteredaheartrendingcry，andsankdownagain，senselessandcompletelyexhausted。
Thekingfrowned。\"Itispossible，\"saidhe——\"andIalmostbelieveit——thatIhavebeendeceivedinmanywaysthisevening，andthatnowagainmyguilelessnesshasbeenplayeduponinordertoimposeuponmeacharmingstory。However，Ihavegivenmywordtopardon；
anditshallnotbesaidthatHenrytheEighth，whocallshimselfGod\'svicegerent，haseverbrokenhisword；noreventhathehaspunishedthosewhomhehasassuredofexemptionfrompunishment。MyLordDouglas，Iwillfulfilmypromise。Iforgiveyou。\"
HeextendedhishandtoDouglas，whokisseditfervently。Thekingbentdownclosertohim。\"Douglas，\"whisperedhe，\"youareascunningasaserpent；andInowseethroughyourartfully-wovenweb！