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