"Butshewastheking'sbelovedwife，"saidJane，"andwhenshediedthekingmournedforhertwoyears。"

"Hemourned！"exclaimedLordDouglas，contemptuously。"Hehasmournedforallhiswives。EvenforAnneBoleynheputonmourning，andinhiswhitemourningapparel，thedayafterAnne'sexecution，heledJaneSeymourtothemarriagealtar！Thisoutwardmourning，whatdoesitsignify？AnneBoleynalsomournedforCatharineofAragon，whomshehadpushedfromthethrone。ForeightweeksshewasseeninyellowmourningonaccountofHenry'sfirstwife；butAnneBoleynwasashrewdwoman，andsheknewverywellthattheyellowmourningdresswasexceedinglybecomingtoher。"

"Buttheking'smourningwasnotmerelyexternal，"saidLadyJane。

"Hemournedreally，foritwastwoyearsbeforeheresolvedonanewmarriage。"

EarlDouglaslaughed。"Buthecheeredhimselfduringthesetwoyearsofwidowhoodwithaverybeautifulmistress，theFrenchMarchionessdeMontreuil，andhewouldhavemarriedherhadnottheprudentbeautypreferredreturningtoFrance，becauseshefounditaltogethertoodangeroustobecomeHenry'sconsort。Foritisnottobedenied，abalefulstarhoversoverHenry'squeens，andnoneofthemhasdescendedfromthethroneinanaturalway。"

"Yet，father，JaneSeymourdidsoinaverynaturalway；shediedinchildbed。"

"Well，yes，inchildbed。Andyetbynonaturaldeath，forshecouldhavebeensaved。ButHenrydidnotwishtosaveher。Hislovehadalreadygrowncool，andwhenthephysiciansaskedhimwhethertheyshouldsavethemotherorthechild，hereplied，'Savethechild，andletthemotherdie。Icangetwivesenough。'[Footnote:Burnet。]

Ah，mydaughter，IhopeyoumaynotdiesuchanaturaldeathasJaneSeymourdid，forwhom，asyousay，thekingmournedtwoyears。Butafterthatperiod，somethingnew，somethingaltogetherextraordinaryhappenedtotheking。Hefellinlovewithapicture，andbecause，inhisproudself-conceit，hewasconvincedthatthefinepicturewhichHolbeinhadmadeofhim，wasnotatallflattered，butentirelytruetonature，itdidnotoccurtohimthatHolbein'slikenessofthePrincessAnneofClevesmightbesomewhatflattered，andnotaltogetherfaithful。Sothekingfellinlovewithapicture，andsentambassadorstoGermanytobringtheoriginaloftheportraittoEnglandashisbride。HehimselfwenttomeetheratRochester，whereshewastoland。Ah，mychild，Ihavewitnessedmanyqueeranddrollthingsinmyeventfullife，butthesceneatRochester，however，isamongmymostspicyrecollections。Thekingwasasenthusiasticasapoet，anddeepinloveasayouthoftwenty，andsobeganourromanticwedding-trip，onwhichHenrydisguisedhimselfandtookpartinit，assumingthenameofmycousin。Astheking'smasterofhorse，Iwashonoredwiththecommissionofcarryingtotheyoungqueenthegreetingofherardenthusband，andbegginghertoreceivetheknight，whowoulddelivertoherapresentfromtheking。Shegrantedmyrequestwithagrinwhichmadevisibleafrightfulrowofyellowteeth。Iopenedthedoor，andinvitedthekingtoenter。Ah，yououghttohavewitnessedthatscene！ItistheonlyfarcialpassageinthebloodytragedyofHenry'smarriedlife。Youshouldhaveseenwithwhathastyimpatiencethekingrushedin，thensuddenly，atthesightofher，staggeredbackandstaredattheprincess。Slowlyretiring，hesilentlythrustintomyhandtherichpresentthathehadbrought，whileatthesametimehethrewalookofflamingwrathonLordCromwell，whohadbroughthimtheportraitoftheprincessandwonhimtothismarriage。Theromantic，ardentlovervanishedwiththislookathisbeloved。Heapproachedtheprincessagain——thistimenotasacavalier，but，withharshandhastywords，hetoldherhewasthekinghimself。Hebadeherwelcomeinafewwords，andgaveheracold，formalembrace。Hethenhastilytookmyhandanddrewmeoutoftheroom，beckoningtheresttofollowhim。Andwhenatlengthwewereoutoftheatmosphereofthispooruglyprincess，andfarenoughawayfromher，theking，withangrycountenance，saidtoCromwell:'Callyouthatabeauty？SheisaFlandersmare，butnoprincess。'[Footnote:Burnet，p。174。Tytler，p。417。]Anne'suglinesswassurelygivenherofGod，thatbyit，theChurch，inwhichaloneissalvation，mightbedeliveredfromthegreatdangerwhichthreatenedit。ForhadAnneofCleves，thesister，niece，granddaughterandauntofalltheProtestantprincesofGermany，beenbeautiful，incalculabledangerwouldhavethreatenedourchurch。Thekingcouldnotovercomehisrepugnance，andagainhisconscience，whichalwaysappearedtobemosttenderandscrupulous，whenitwasfarthestfromitandmostregardless，mustcometohisaid。

"Thekingdeclaredthathehadbeenonlyinappearance，notinhisinnermostconscience，disposedtothismarriage，fromwhichhenowshrankback，becauseitwouldbe，properlyspeaking，nothingmorethanperfidy，perjury，andbigamy。ForAnne'sfatherhadoncebetrothedhertothesonoftheDukeofLorraine，andhadsolemnlypledgedhimhiswordtogiveherasawifetotheyoungdukeassoonasshewasofage；ringshadbeenexchangedandthemarriagecontractalreadydrawnup。AnneofCleves，therefore，wasvirtuallyalreadymarried，andHenry，withhistenderconscience，couldnotmakeonealreadymarriedhiswife。[Footnote:Burnet。]Hemadeher，therefore，hissister，andgaveherthepalaceatRichmondforaresidence，incaseshewishedtoremaininEngland。Sheacceptedit；

herblood，whichcreptcoldlyandquietlythroughherveins，didnotriseatthethoughtofbeingdespisedandrepudiated。Sheacceptedit，andremainedinEngland。

"Shewasrejectedbecauseshewasugly；andnowthekingselectedCatharineHowardforhisfifthconsort，becauseshewaspretty。OfthismarriageIknowbutlittletotellyou，for，atthattime，I

hadalreadygonetoDublinasminister，whitheryousoonfollowedme。Catharinewasverybeautiful，andtheking'sheart，nowgrowingold，oncemoreflamedhighwithyouthfullove。Helovedhermorewarmlythananyotherofhiswives。Hewassohappyinherthat，kneelingdownpubliclyinthechurch，withaloudvoicehethankedGodforthehappinesswhichhisbeautifulyoungqueenaffordedhim。

Butthisdidnotlastlong。Evenwhilethekingwasextollingit，hishappinesshadreacheditshighestpoint，andthenextdayhewasdasheddownintotheabyss。Ispeakwithoutpoeticalexaggeration，mychild。Thedaybefore，hethankedGodforhishappiness，andthenextmorningCatharineHowardwasalreadyimprisonedandaccused，asanunfaithfulwife，ashamelessstrumpet。[Footnote:Tytler，p。432。]

Morethansevenlovershadprecededherroyalspouse，andsomeofthemhadaccompaniedherevenontheprogressthroughYorkshire，whichshemadewiththekingherhusband。Thistimeitwasnopretence，forhehadnotyethadtimetofallinlovewithanotherwoman，andCatharinewellknewhowtoenchainhimandevertokindlenewflameswithinhim。Butjustbecausehelovedher，hecouldnotforgiveherforhavingdeceivedhim。Inlovethereissomuchcrueltyandhatred；andHenry，whobutyesterdaylayatherfeet，burnedto-daywithrageandjealousy，asyesterdaywithloveandrapture。Inhisrage，however，hestilllovedher，andwhenheheldinhishandindubitableproofofherguilt，heweptlikeachild。

Butsincehecouldnolongerbeherlover，hewouldbeherhangman；

sinceshehadspottedthecrimsonofhisroyalmantle，hewoulddyeitafreshwithherowncrimsonblood。Andhedidso。CatharineHowardwasforcedtolayherbeautifulheadupontheblock，asAnneBoleynhaddonebeforeher；andAnne'sdeathwasnowoncemoreavenged。LadyRochforthadbeenAnneBoleyn'saccuser，andhertestimonyhadbroughtthatqueentothescaffold；butnowshewasconvictedofbeingCatharineHoward'sassistantandconfidanteinherloveadventures，andwithCatharine，LadyRochfortalsoascendedthescaffold。

"Ah，thekingneededalongtimetorecoverfromthisblow。Hesearchedtwoyearsforapure，uncontaminatedvirgin，whomightbecomehisqueenwithoutdangerofthescaffold。Buthefoundnone；

sohetookthenLordNeville'swidow，CatharineParr。Butyouknow，mychild，thatCatharineisanunluckynameforHenry'squeens。ThefirstCatharineherepudiated，thesecondhebeheaded。Whatwillhedowiththethird？"

LadyJanesmiled。"Catharinedoesnotlovehim，"saidshe，"andI

believeshewouldwillinglyconsent，likeAnneofCleves，tobecomehissister，insteadofhiswife。"

"Catharinedoesnotlovetheking？"inquiredLordDouglas，inbreathlesssuspense。"Shelovesanother，then！"

"No，myfather！Herheartisyetlikeasheetofwhitepaper:nosinglenameisyetinscribedthere。"

"Thenwemustwriteanamethere，andthisnamemustdrivehertothescaffold，orintobanishment，"saidherfatherimpetuously。"Itisyourbusiness，mychild，totakeasteelgraver，andinsomewaywriteanameinCatharine'sheartsodeepandindelibly，thatthekingmaysomedayreaditthere。"

CHAPTERVIII。

FATHERANDDAUGHTER。

Bothnowkeptsilentforalongtime。LordDouglashadleanedbackontheottoman，and，respiringheavily，seemedtobreathealittlefromtheexertionofhislongdiscourse。Butwhileherested，hislarge，piercingeyeswereconstantlyturnedtoJane，who，leaningbackonthecushion，wasstaringthoughtfullyintotheemptyair，andseemedtobeentirelyforgetfulofherfather'spresence。

Acunningsmileplayedforamomentoverthecountenanceoftheearlasheobservedher，butitquicklydisappeared，andnowdeepfoldsofcaregatheredonhisbrow。AshesawthatLadyJanewasplungingdeeperanddeeperintoreverie，heatlengthlaidhishandonhershoulderandhastilyasked，"Whatareyouthinkingof，Jane？"

Shegaveasuddenstart，andlookedattheearlwithanembarrassedair。

"Iamthinkingofallthatyouhavebeensayingtome，myfather，"

repliedshe，calmly。"IamconsideringwhatbenefittoourobjectI

candrawfromit。"

LordDouglasshookhishead，andsmiledincredulously。Atlengthhesaidsolemnly:"Takecare，Jane，takecarethatyourheartdoesnotdeceiveyourhead。Ifwewouldreachouraimhere，youmust，aboveallthings，maintainacoolheartandacoolhead。Doyoustillpossessboth，Jane？"

Inconfusionshecastdownhereyesbeforehispenetratinglook。

LordDouglasnoticedit，andapassionatewordwasalreadyonhislips。Buthekeptitback。Asaprudentdiplomat，heknewthatitisoftenmorepolitictodestroyathingbyignoringit，thantoenterintoanopencontestwithit。Thefeelingsarelikethedragons'

teethofTheseus。Ifyoucontendwiththem，theyalwaysgrowagainanew，andwithrenewedenergy，outofthesoil。LordDouglas，therefore，wasverycarefulnottonoticehisdaughter'sconfusion。

"Pardonme，mydaughter，if，inmyzealandmytendercareforyou，Igotoofar。Iknowthatyourdearandbeautifulheadiscoolenoughtowearacrown。Iknowthatinyourheartdwellonlyambitionandreligion。Letus，then，furtherconsiderwhatwehavetodoinordertoattainourend。

"WehavespokenofHenryasahusband，ofHenryasaman；andIhopeyouhavedrawnsomeusefullessonsfromthefateofhiswives。Youhavelearnedthatitisnecessarytopossessallthegoodandallthebadqualitiesofwomaninordertocontrolthisstiff-neckedandtyrannical，thislustfulandbigoted，thisvainandsensualman，whomthewrathofGodhasmadeKingofEngland。Youmust，beforeallthings，beperfectmasterofthedifficultartofcoquetry。YoumustbecomeafemaleProteus——todayaMessalina，to-morrowanun；to-dayoneofthe_literati_，to-morrowaplayfulchild；youmusteverseektosurprisetheking，tokeephimonthestretch，toenlivenhim。

Youmustnevergivewaytothedangerousfeelingofsecurity，forinfactKingHenry'swifeisneversafe。Theaxealwayshangsoverherhead，andyoumusteverconsideryourhusbandasonlyaficklelover，whomyoumusteverydaycaptivateanew。"

"YouspeakasthoughIwerealreadyqueen，"saidLadyJane，smiling；

"andyetIcannotbutthinkthat，inordertocometothat，manydifficultiesaretobeovercome，whichmayindeedperhapsbeinsuperable。"

"Insuperable！"exclaimedherfatherwithashrugoftheshoulders。

"WiththeaidoftheholyChurch，nohinderanceisinsuperable。

Only，wemustbeperfectlyacquaintedwithourendandourmeans。Donotdespise，then，tosoundthecharacterofthiskingeverandagain，andbecertainyouwillalwaysfindinhimsomenewhiddenrecess，somesurprisingpeculiarity。Wehavespokenofhimasahusbandandthefatherofafamily，butofhisreligiousandpoliticalstandingIhaveasyettoldyounothing。Andyetthat，mychild，istheprincipalpointinhiswholecharacter。

"Inthefirstplace，then，Jane，Iwilltellyouasecret。Theking，whohasconstitutedhimselfhigh-priestofhisChurch——whomthepopeoncecalled'theKnightoftheTruthandtheFaith'——thekinghasatthebottomofhisheartnoreligion。Heisawaveringreed，whichthewindturnsthiswayto-day，andthatwayto-morrow。Heknowsnothisownwill，and，coquettingwithbothparties，to-dayheisaheretic，inordertoexhibithimselfasastrong，unprejudiced，enlightenedman；to-morrowaCatholic，inordertoshowhimselfanobedientandhumbleservantofGod，whoseeksandfindshishappinessonlyinloveandpiety。Butforbothconfessionsoffaithhepossessesatheartaprofoundindifference；andhadthepopeatthattimeplacednodifficultiesinhisway，hadheconsentedtohisdivorcefromCatharine，HenrywouldhavealwaysremainedaverygoodandactiveservantoftheCatholicChurch。Buttheywereimprudentenoughtoirritatehimbycontradiction；theystimulatedhisvanityandpridetoresistance；andsoHenrybecameachurchreformer，notfromconviction，butoutofpureloveofopposition。Andthat，mychild，youmustneverforget，for，bymeansofthislever，youmayverywellconverthimagaintoadevout，dutiful，andobedientservantofourholyChurch。Hehasrenouncedthepope，andusurpedthesupremacyoftheChurch，buthecannotsummonupcouragetocarryouthisworkandthrowhimselfwhollyintothearmsoftheReformation。Howevermuchhehasopposedthepersonofthepope，stillhehasalwaysremaineddevotedtotheChurch，althoughperhapshedoesnotknowithimself。HeisnoCatholic，andhehearsmass；

hehasbrokenupthemonasteries，andyetforbidsprieststomarry；

hehastheLord'ssupperadministeredunderbothkinds，andbelievesintherealtransubstantiationofthewineintotheRedeemer'sholyblood。Hedestroystheconvents，andyetcommandsthatvowsofchastity，spokenbymanorwoman，mustbefaithfullykept；andlastly，auricularconfessionisstillanecessaryconstituentofhisChurch。Andthesehecallshissixarticles，[Footnote:Burnet，vol。

I，p。259。Tytler，p。402。Mioti，vol。I，p。134。]andthefoundationofhisEnglishChurch。Poor，short-sightedandvainman！

Heknowsnotthathehasdoneallthis，onlybecausehewantedtobethepopehimself，andheisnothingmorethanananti-popeoftheHolyFatheratRome，whomhe，inhisblasphemouspride，darescall'theBishopofRome。'"

"But，forthisaudacity，"saidJane，withlooksofburningrage，"theanathemahasstruckhimandlaidacurseuponhishead，andgivenhimuptothehatred，contempt，andscornofhisownsubjects。

Therefore，theHolyFatherhasjustlynamedhim'theapostateandlostson，theblasphemingusurperoftheholyChurch。'Therefore，thepopehasdeclaredhiscrownforfeited，andpromisedittohimwhowillvanquishhimbyforceofarms。Therefore，thepopehasforbiddenanyofhissubjectstoobeyhim，andrespectandrecognizehimasking。"

"AndyetheremainsKingofEngland，andhissubjectsstillobeyhiminslavishsubmission，"exclaimedEarlDouglas，shrugginghisshoulders。"Itisveryunwisetogosofarinthreats，foroneshouldneverthreatenwithpunishmentwhichheisnotlikewiseabletoreallyexecute。ThisRomishinterdicthasratherbeenanadvantagetotheking，thandonehimharm，forithasforcedthekingintohaughtieropposition，andprovedtohissubjectsthatamanirnyroallybeunderaninterdict，andyetinprosperityandthefullenjoymentoflife。"

"Thepope'sexcommunicationhasnothurtthekingatall；histhronehasnotfelttheslightestjarfromit，buttheapostasyofthekinghasdeprivedtheHolySeeatRomeofaveryperceptiblesupport；

thereforewemustbringthefaithlesskingbacktotheholyChurch，forsheneedshim。Andthis，mydaughter，istheworkthatGodandthewillofHisholyrepresentativehaveplacedinyourhands。A

noble，glorious，andatthesametimeprofitablework，foritmakesyouaqueen！ButIrepeat，becautious，neverirritatethekingbycontradiction。Withouttheirknowingit，wemustleadthewaveringwheresalvationawaitsthem。For，aswehavesaid，heisawaverer；

andinthehaughtyprideofhisroyalty，hehasthepresumptiontowishtostandaboveallparties，andtobehimselfabletofoundanewChurch，aChurchwhichisneitherCatholicnorProtestant，butMsChurch；towhich，inthesixarticles，theso-called'BloodyStatute'hehasgivenitslaws。

"HewillnotbeProtestantnorCatholic，and，inordertoshowhisimpartiality，heisanequallyterriblepersecutorofbothparties。

Sothatithascometopassthatwemustsay，'InEngland，Catholicsarehanged，andthosenotstichareburned。'[Footnote:Leti，vol。

I，p。144。fTytler，p。38。]Itgivesthekingpleasuretoholdwithsteadyandcruelhandthebalancebetweenthetwoparties，andonthesamedaythathehasapapistincarcerated，becausehehasdisputedtheking'ssupremacy，hehasoneofthereformedputupontherack，becausehehasdeniedtherealtransubstantiationofthewine，orperhapshasdispiitedconcerningthenecessityofauricularconfession。Indeed，duringthelastsessionofParliament，fivemenwerehangedbecausetheydisputedthesupremacy，andfiveothersburnedbecausetheyprofessedthereformedviews！Andthisevening，Jane——this，theking'swedding-night——bythespecialorderoftheking，whowantedtoshowhisimpartialityasheadofthechurch，CatholicsandProtestantshavebeencoupledtogetherlikedogs，andhurriedtothestake，theCatholicsbeingcondemned(istraitors，andtheothersasheretics！)

"Oh，"saidJane，shudderingandturningpale，"IwillnotbeQueenofEngland。Ihaveahorrorofthiscruel，savageking，whoseheartiswhollywithoutcompassionorlove。

Herfatherlaughed。"Doyounotthenknow，child，howyoucanmakethehyenagentle，andthetigertame？Youthrowthemagainandagainafreshprey，whichtheymaydevour，andsincetheylovebloodsodearly，youconstantlygivethembloodtodrink，sothattheymayneverthirstforit。Theking'sonlysteadyandunchangingpeculiarityishiscrueltyanddelightinblood；onethenmustalwayshavesomefoodreadyforthese，thenhewilleverbeaveryaffectionateandgraciouskingandhusband。

"Andthereisnolackofobjectsforthisbloodthirstiness。Therearesomanymenandwomenathiscourt，andwhenheispreciselyinabloodthirstyhumor，itisallthesametoHenrywhosebloodhedrinks。Hehasshedthebloodofhiswivesandrelatives；hehasexecutedthosewhomhecalledhismostconfidentialfriends；hehassentthenoblestmenofhiskingdomtothescaffold。

"ThomasMoreknewhimverywell，andinafewstrikingwordshesummedupthewholeoftheking'scharacter。Ah，itseemstomethatIseenowthequietandgentlefaceofthiswiseman，asIsawhimstandinginyonderbay-window，andnearhimtheking，hisarmsaroundtheneckofHigh-ChancellorMore，andlisteningtohisdiscoursewithakindofreverentialdevotion。Andwhenthekinghadgone，IwalkeduptoThomasMoreandcongratulatedhimonthehighandworld-renownedfavorinwhichhestoodwiththeking。'Thekingreallylovesyou，'saidI。'Yes，'repliedhe，withhisquiet，sadsmile，'yes，thekingtrulylovesme。Butthatwouldnotforonemomenthinderhimfromgivingmyheadforavaluablediamond，abeautifulwoman，orahand'sbreadthoflandinFrance。'[Footnote:

Leti，vol。i，p194。]Hewasright，andforabeautifulwoman，theheadofthissagehadtofall，ofwhomthemostChristianemperorandking，CharlesV。，said:'HadIbeenthemasterofsuchaservant，ofwhoseabilityandgreatnesswehavehadsomuchexperienceformanyyears；hadIpossessedanadvisersowiseandearnestasThomasMorewas，Iwouldratherhavelostthebestcityofmyrealm，thansoworthyaservantandcounsellor。'[Footnote:

Tytler，p。354。]

"No，Jane，bethatyourfirstandmostsacredrule，nevertotrusttheking，andneverreckononthedurationofhisaffectionandthemanifestationsofhisfavor。For，intheperfidyofhisheart，itoftenpleaseshimtoloadwithtokensofhisfavorthosewhosedestructionhehasalreadyresolvedupon，toadornanddecoratewithordersandjewelsto-daythosewhomto-morrowheisgoingtoputtodeath。Itflattershisself-complacency，likethelion，toplayalittlewiththepuppyheisabouttodevour。ThusdidhewithCromwell，formanyyearshiscounsellorandfriend，whohadcommittednoothercrimethanthatofhavingfirstexhibitedtothekingtheportraitoftheuglyAnneofCleves，whomHolbeinhadturnedintoabeauty。ButthekingtookgoodcarenottobeangrywithCromwell，ortoreproachhimforit。Muchmore——inrecognitionofhisgreatservices，heraisedhimtotheearldomofEssex，decoratedhimwiththeOrderoftheGarterandappointedhimlordchamberlain；andthen，whenCromwellfeltperfectlysecureandproudlybaskedinthesunshineofroyalfavor，thenallatoncethekinghadhimarrestedanddraggedtothetower，inordertoaccusehimofhightreason。[Footnote:Ibid，p。423。]AndsoCromwellwasexecuted，becauseAnneofClevesdidnotpleasetheking，andbecauseHansHolbeinhadflatteredherpicture。

"Butnowwehavehadenoughofthepast，Jane。Nowletusspeakofthepresentandofthefuture，mydaughter。Letusnowfirstofalldevisethemeanstooverthrowthiswomanwhostandsinourway。Whensheisonceoverthrown，itwillnotbeverydifficultforustoputyouinherplace。Foryouarenowhere，neartheking。Thegreatmistakeinonrearliereffortswas，thatwewerenotpresentandcouldworkonlythroughgo-betweensandconfidants。Thekingdidnotseeyou，andsincetheunluckyaffairwithAnneofCleveshemistrustslikenesses；Iverywellknewthat，forI，mychild，confideinnoone，noteveninthemostfaithfulandnoblestfriends。Irelyuponnobodybutourselves。Hadwebeenhere，youwouldnowbeQueenofEnglandinsteadofCatharineParr。But，toourmisfortune，IwasstillthefavoriteoftheRegentofScotland，andassuch，IcouldnotventuretoapproachHenry。ItwasnecessarythatIshouldfallintodisgracethere，inordertobeagainsureoftheking'sfavorhere。

"SoIfellintodisgraceandfledwithyouhither。Now，then，hereweare，andletthefightbegin。Andyouhaveto-dayalreadytakenanimportantsteptowardourend。Youhaveattractedthenoticeoftheking，andestablishedyourselfstillmoresecurelyinthefavorofCatharine。Iconfess，Jane，Iamcharmedwithyourprudentconduct。Youhavethisdaywontheheartsofallparties，anditwaswonderfullyshrewdinyoutocometotheaidoftheEarlofSurrey，asyouatthesametimewontoyouthehereticalparty，towhichAnneAskewbelongs。Oh，itwasindeed，Jane，astrokeofpolicythatyoumade。FortheHowardfamilyisthemostpowerfulandgreatestatcourt，andHenry，EarlofSurrey，isoneofitsnoblestrepresentatives。Thereforewehavenowalreadyapowerfulpartyatcourt，whichhasinviewonlythehighandholyaimofsecuringavictoryfortheholyChurch，andwhichquietlyandsilentlyworksonlyforthis——toagainreconcilethekingtothepope。HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，likebisfather，theDukeofNorfolk，isagoodCatholic，ashisnieceCatharineHowardwas；onlyshe，besidesGodandtheChurch，wasalittletoofondoftheimagesofGod——

fine-lookingmen。Itwasthisthatgavethevictorytotheotherparty，andforcedtheCatholictosuccumbtothehereticalpartyatcourt。Yes，forthemoment，CranmerwithCatharinehasgotthebetterofus，butsoonGardinerwithJaneDouglaswillovercometheheretics，andsendthemtothescaffold。Thatisourplan，and，Godpermitting，wewillcarryitout。"

"Butitwillbeadifficultundertaking，"saidLadyJane，withasigh。"Thequeenisapure，transparentsoul；shehasashrewdheadandaclearglance。Sheis，moreover，guilelessinherthoughts，andrecoilswithtruemaidenlytimidityfromeverysin。"

"Wemustcureherofthistimidity，andthatisyourtask，Jane。Youmustdespoilherofthesestrictnotionsaboutvirtue。Withflatteringvoiceyoumustensnareherheart，andenticeittosin。"

"Oh，thatisaninfernalplot！"saidLadyJane，turningpale。"That，myfather，wouldbeacrime，forthatwouldbenotonlydestroyingherearthlyhappiness，butalsoimperillinghersoul。Imustenticehertoacrime；thatisyourdishonorabledemand！ButIwillnotobeyyou！Itistrue，Ihateher，forshestandsinthewayofmyambition。ItistrueIwilldestroyher，forshewearsthecrownwhichIwishtopossess；butneverwillIbesobaseastopourintoherveryheartthepoisonbywhichsheshallfall。Letherseekthepoisonforherself；Iwillnotholdbackherhand；Iwillnotwarnher。Letherseekthewaysofsinherself:Iwillnottellherthatshehaserred；hutIwill，fromafar，dogher，andwatcheachstep，andlistenforeverywordandsigh，andwhenshehascommittedacrime，thenIwillbetrayher，anddeliverheruptoherjudges。

ThatiswhatIcanandwilldo。IwillbethedemontodriveherfromparadiseinGod'sname，butnottheserpenttoenticeherinthedevil'snametosin。"

Shepaused，and，pantingforbreath，sunkbackuponthecushion；butherfather'shandwaslaiduponhershoulderwithaconvulsivegrip，andpalewithrageandwitheyesflashingwithanger，hestaredather。

AcryofterrorburstfromLadyJane。She，whoneverhadseenherfatherbutsmilingandfullofkindness，scarcelyrecognizedthatcountenance，distortedwithrage。Shecouldscarcelyconvinceherselfthatthisman，witheyesdartingfire，scowlingeyebrowsandlipsquiveringwithrage，wasreallyherfather。

"Youwillnot？"exclaimedhe，withahollow，threateningvoice。"YoudarerebelagainsttheholycommandsoftheChurch？Haveyou，then，forgottenwhatyoupromisedtotheHolyFathers，whosepupilyouare？HaveyouforgottenthatthebrothersandsistersoftheHolyLeaguearepermittedtohavenootherwillthanthatoftheirmasters！Haveyouforgottenthesublimevowwhichyoumadetoourmaster，IgnatiusLoyola？Answerme，unfaithfulanddisobedientdaughteroftheChurch！RepeattometheoathwhichyoutookwhenhereceivedyouintotheholySocietyoftheDisciplesofJesus！Repeatyouroath，Isay！"

Asifconstrainedbyaninvisiblepower，Janehadarisen，andnowstood，herhandsfoldedacrossherbreast，submissiveandtremblingbeforeherfather，whoseerect，proud，andwrathfulformtoweredaboveher。

"Ihavesworn，"saidshe，"tosubjectmyownthought，andwill，mylife，andendeavors，obedientlytothewilloftheHolyFather。I

havesworntobeablindtoolinthehandsofmymasters，andtodoonlywhattheycommandandenjoin。IhavevowedtoservetheholyChurch，inwhichaloneissalvation，ineverywayandwithallthemeansatmycommand；andIwilldespisenoneofthesemeans，considernonetrifling，disdainnone，provideditleadstotheend。

Fortheendsanctifiesthemeans，andnothingisasinwhichisdoneforthehonorofGodandtheChurch！"

"AdmajoremDeigloriam！"saidherfather，devoutlyfoldinghishands。"Andyouknowwhatawaitsyou，ifyouviolateyouroath？"

"Earthlydisgraceandeternaldestructionawaitme。Thecurseofallmybrethrenandsistersawaitsme——eternaldamnationandpunishment。

Withthousandsoftormentsandtorturesoftherack，willtheHolyFathersputmetodeath；andastheykillmybodyandthrowitasfoodtothebeastsofprey，theywillcursemysoulanddeliveritovertopurgatory。"

"Andwhatawaitsyouifyouremainfaithfultoyouroath，andobeythecommandsgivenyou？"

"Honorandgloryonearth，besideseternalblessednessinheaven。"

"Thenyouwillbeaqueenonearthandaqueeninheaven。Youknow，then，thesacredlawsofthesociety，andyourememberyouroath？"

"Irememberit。"

"AndyouknowthattheholyLoyola，beforeheleftus，gavetheSocietyofJesus，inEngland，amasterandgeneral，whomallthebrethrenandsistersmustserveandsubmitto，towhomtheyoweblindobedienceandservicewithoutquestioning？"

"Iknowit。"

"Andyouknow，likewise，bywhatsigntheassociatesmayrecognizethegeneral？"

"ByLoyola'sring，whichhewearsontheforefingerofhisrighthand。"

"Beholdherethisring！"saidtheearl，drawinghishandoutofhisdoublet。

LadyJaneutteredacry，andsankalmostsenselessathisfeet。

LordDouglas，smilinggraciously，raisedherinhisarms。"Yousee，Jane，Iamnotmerelyyourfather，butyourmasteralso。Andyouwillobeyme，willyounot？"

"Iwillobey！"saidshe，almostinaudibly，asshekissedthehandwiththefatalring。

"YouwillbetoCatharineParr，asyouhaveexpressedit，theserpent，thatseduceshertosin？"

"Iwill。"

"Youwillbeguileherintosin，andenticehertoindulgealovewhichmustleadhertodestruction？"

"Iwilldoit，myfather。"

"Iwillnowtellyouwhomsheistolove，andwhoistobetheinstrumentofdestruction。YouwillsomanagethequeenthatshewillloveHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey。"

Janeutteredascream，andclungtothebackofachairtokeepfromfalling。

Herfatherobservedherwithpenetrating，angrylooks。"Whatmeansthisoutcry？Whydoesthischoicesurpriseyou？"askedhe。

LadyJanehadalreadygainedherself-possession。"Itsurprisedme，"

saidshe，"becausetheearlisbetrothed。"

Asingularsmileplayedabouttheearl'slips。"Itisnotthefirsttime，"saidhe，"thatevenamanalreadymarriedhasbecomedangeroustoawoman'sheart，andoftentheveryimpossibilityofpossessionaddsfueltotheflamesoflove。Woman'sheartiseversofullofselfishnessandcontradiction。"

LadyJanecastdownhereyes，andmadenoreply。Shefeltthatthepiercingandpenetratinglookofherfatherwasrestingonherface。

Sheknewthat，justthen，hewasreadinghersoul，althoughshedidnotlookathim。

"Thenyounolongerrefuse？"askedhe，atlength。"YouwillinspiretheyoungqueenwithlovefortheEarlofSurrey？"

"Iwillendeavortodoit，myfather。"

"Ifyoutry，witharealandenergeticdeterminationtosucceed，youwillprevail。For，asyousaid，thequeen'sheartisstillfree；itis，then，likeafruitfulsoil，whichisonlywaitingforsomeonetosowtheseedinit，tobringforthflowersandfruit。CatharineParrdoesnotlovetheking；youwill，then，teachhertoloveHenryHoward。"

"Yet，myfather，"saidLadyJane，withasarcasticsmile，"tobringaboutthisresult，onemust，beforeallthings，beacquaintedwithamagicspell，throughthemightofwhichtheearlwillfirstglowwithloveforCatharine。Forthequeenhasaproudsoul，andshewillneversoforgetherdignityastoloveamanwhoisnotinflamedwithanardentpassionforher。Buttheearlhasnotonlyabride，but，asitissaid，amistressalso。"

"Ah！youconsiderit，then，perfectlyunworthyofawomantoloveamanwhodoesnotadoreher？"askedtheearl，inasignificanttone。

"Iamrejoicedtohearthisfrommydaughter，andthustohecertainthatshewillnotfallinlovewiththeEarlofSurrey，whoiseverywhereelsecalled'thelady-killer。'Andifyouhaveinformedyourselfinsosurprisingamannerastotheearl'sprivaterelations，youhavedoneso，withoutdoubt，onlybecauseyoursagaciousandsubtleheadhasalreadyguessedwhatcommissionI

wouldgiveyouwithrespecttotheearl。Besides，mydaughter，youareinerror:andifacertainhigh，butnotonthataccountthelessveryunfortunatelady，shouldhappentoreallylovetheEarlofSurrey，herlotwill，perhaps，bethecommonone——topractiseresignation。"

AnexpressionofjoyfulsurprisepassedoverthecountenanceofLadyJane，whileherfatherthusspoke；butitwasforcedtoinstantlygivewaytoadeathlypaleness，astheearladded:"HenryHowardisdestinedforCatharineParr，andyouaretohelphertolovesohotlythisproud，handsomeearl，whoisafaithfulservantoftheChurch，whereinaloneissalvation，thatshewillforgetallconsiderationsandalldangers。"

LadyJaneventuredonemoreobjection。Shecaughteagerlyatherfather'swords，toseekstillforsomewayofescape。

"YoucalltheearlafaithfulservantofourChurch，"saidshe，"andyetyouwouldimplicatehimalsoinyourdangerousplot？Youhavenot，then，myfather，consideredthatitisjustaspernicioustolovethequeenastobelovedbyher？And，withoutdoubt，iflovefortheEarlofSurreybringthequeentothescaffold，theheadoftheearlwillfallatthesametime，nomatterwhetherhereturnherloveornot。"

Theearlshruggedhisshoulders。

"WhenthequestionisaboutthewealoftheChurchandourholyreligion，thedangerwhich，thereby，itmaybe，threatensoneofournumber，mustnotfrightenusback。Holysacrificesmustbealwaysofferedtoaholycause。Wellandgood，then，lettheearl'sheadfall，providedtheonlysavingChurchgainsnewvigorfromthisbloodofmartyrs。Butsee，Jane，themorningalreadybeginstodawn，andImusthastentoleaveyou，lestthesecourtiers，evergiventoslandering，mayinsomewayorothertakethefatherforalover，andcastsuspicionontheimmaculatevirtueofmyJane。Farewell，then，mydaughter！Weboth，now，knowourr鬺es，andwilltakecaretoplaythemwithsuccess。Youarethefriendandconfidanteofthequeen，andItheharmlesscourtier，whotries，nowandthen，togainasmilefromthekingbysomekindandmerryjest。Thatisall。

Good-morning，then，Jane，andgood-night。Foryoumustsleep，mychild，sothatyourcheeksmayremainfreshandyoureyesbright。

Thekinghatespiningpale-faces。Sleep，then，futureQueenofEngland！"

Hegentlykissedherforehead，andlefttheroomwithlingeringstep。

LadyJanestoodandlistenedtothesoundofhisfootstepsgraduallydyingaway，whenshesankonherknees，whollycrushed，utterlystunned。

"MyGod，myGod！"murmuredshe，whilestreamsoftearsfloodedherface，"andIamtoinspirethequeenwithlovefortheEarlofSurrey，andI——Ilovehim！"

CHAPTERIX。

LENDEMAIN。

Thegreatlev閑wasover。Sittingbesidethekingonthethrone，Catharinehadreceivedthecongratulationsofhercourt；andtheking'ssmilinglook，andthetenderwordswhich，inundertone，henowandthenaddressedtothequeen，hadmanifestedtotheprudentandexpertcourtiersthatthekingwasto-dayjustasmuchenamoredofhisyoungconsortashehadbeenyesterdayofhisbride。

Therefore，everyoneexertedhimselftopleasethequeen，andtocatcheverylook，everysmile，whichsheletfall，likesunbeams，hereandthere，inordertoseeforwhomtheywereintended，sothattheymight，perchance，bythismeans，divinewhoweretobethefuturefavoritesofthequeen，andbethefirsttobecomeintimatewiththem。

Buttheyoungqueendirectedherlookstonooneinparticular。Shewasfriendlyandsmiling，yetonefeltthatthisfriendlinesswasconstrained，thissmilefullofsadness。Thekingalonedidnotnoticeit。Hewascheerfulandhappy，anditseemedtohim，therefore，thatnobodyathiscourtcoulddaresighwhenhe，theking，wassatisfied。

Afterthegrandpresentation，atwhichallthegreatandnobleoftherealmhadpassedinformalprocessionbeforetheroyalpair，thekinghad，accordingtothecourtetiquetteofthetime，givenhishandtohisconsort，ledherdownfromthethroneandconductedhertothemiddleofthehall，inordertopresenttoherthepersonagesinwaitingathercourt。

Butthiswalkfromthethronetothecentreofthehallhadgreatlyfatiguedtheking；thispromenadeofthirtystepswasforhimaveryunusualandtroublesomeperformance，andthekinglongedtochangetosomethingelsemoreagreeable。Sohebeckonedtothechiefmasterofceremonies，andbadehimopenthedoorleadingintothedining-

room。Thenheorderedhis"houseequipage"tobebroughtup，and，seatinghimselfinitwiththeutmoststateliness，hehadthesedankeptatthequeen'sside，waitingimpatientlytillthepresentationshouldatlastconclude，andCatharineaccompanyhimtolunch。

Theannouncementsofthemaidsofhonorandfemaleattendantshadbeenalreadymade，andnowcamethegentlemen'sturn。

Thechiefmasterofceremoniesreadfromhislistthenamesofthosecavalierswhowere，henceforth，toheinwaitingnearthequeen，andwhichnamesthekinghadwrittendownwithhisownhand。Andateachnewappointmentaslightexpressionofpleasedastonishmentflittedacrossthefacesoftheassembledcourtiers，foritwasalwaysoneoftheyoungest，handsomest，andmostamiablelordswhomthemasterofceremonieshadtoname。

Perhapsthekingproposedtoplayacruelgameathazard，insurroundinghisconsortwiththeyoungmenofhiscourt；hewishedtoplungeherintothemidstofdanger，eithertoletherperishthere，or，byheravoidingdanger，tobeabletoplacetheunimpeachablevirtueofhisyoungwifeintheclearestlight。

Thelisthadbegunwiththelessimportantoffices，and，everascendinghigher，theynowcametopositionsthehighestandofgreatestconsequence。

Stillthequeen'smasterofhorseandthechamberlainhadnotbeennamed，andthesewerewithoutdoubtthemostimportantchargesatthequeen'scourt。Foroneortheotheroftheseofficerswasalwaysverynearthequeen。Whenshewasinthepalace，thelordofthechamberhadtoremainintheanteroom，andnoonecouldapproachthequeenbutthroughhismediation。Tohimthequeenhadtogiveherorderswithregardtotheschemesandpleasuresoftheday。Hewastocontrivenewdiversionsandamusements。Hehadtherightofjoiningthequeen'snarroweveningcircle，andtostandbehindthequeen'schairwhentheroyalpair，attimes，desiredtosupwithoutceremony。

Thisplaceofchiefchamberlainwas，therefore，averyimportantone；forsinceitconfinedhimalargepartofthedayinthequeen'spresence，itwasscarcelyavoidablethatthelordchamberlainshouldbecomeeithertheconfidentialandattentivefriend，orthemalevolentandlurkingenemyofthequeen！

Buttheplaceofmasterofhorsewasofnolessconsequence。Forassoonasthequeenleftthepalace，whetheronfootorinacarriage，whethertorideintheforestortoglidedowntheThamesinhergildedyacht，themasterofhorsemustbeeveratherside，musteverattendher。Indeed，thisservicewasstillmoreexclusive，stillmoreimportant。For，thoughthequeen'sapartmentswereopentothelordchamberlain，yet，however，hewasneveralonewithher。

Theattendingmaidsofhonorwerealwayspresentandpreventedtherebeinganyt阾es-？t阾esorintimacybetweenthequeenandherchamberlain。

Butwiththemasterofhorseitwasdifferent——sincemanyopportunitiespresentedthemselves，whenhecouldapproachthequeenunnoticed，oratleastspeaktoherwithoutbeingoverheard。Hehadtoofferherhishandtoassistherinenteringhercarriage；hecouldridenearthedoorofhercoach；heaccompaniedheronwaterexcursionsandpleasurerides，andtheselastweresomuchthemoreimportantbecausetheyaffordedhim，toacertainextent，opportunityforat阾e-？t阾ewiththequeen。Foronlythemasterofhorsewaspermittedtorideatherside；heevenhadprecedenceoftheladiesofthesuite，soastobeabletogivethequeenimmediateassistanceincaseofanyaccident，orthestumblingofherhorse。Therefore，nooneofthesuitecouldperceivewhatthequeensaidtothemasterofhorsewhenherodeatherside。

Itwasunderstood，therefore，howinfluentialthisplacemightbe。

Besides，whenthequeenwasatWhitehall，thekingwasalmostalwaysnearher；while，thankstohisdailyincreasingcorpulency，hewasnotexactlyinaconditiontoleavethepalaceotherwisethaninacarriage。

Itwasthereforeverynaturalthatthewholecompanyatcourtawaitedwitheagerattentionandbatedbreaththemomentwhenthemasterofceremonieswouldnamethesetwoimportantpersonages，whosenameshadbeenkeptsosecretthatnobodyhadyetlearnedthem。Thatmorning，justbeforehehandedthelisttothemasterofceremonies，thekinghadwrittendownthesetwonameswithhisownhand。

Notthecourtonly，butalsothekinghimself，waswatchingforthesetwonames。Forhewishedtoseetheeffectofthem，and，bythedifferentexpressionoffaces，estimatethenumberofthefriendsofthesetwonominees。Theyoungqueenaloneexhibitedthesameunconcernedaffability；herheartonlybeatwithuniformcalmness，forshedidnotoncesuspecttheimportanceofthemoment。

Eventhevoiceofthemasterofceremoniestrembledslightly，ashenowread，"Totheplaceofhighchamberlaintothequeen，hismajestyappointsmyLordHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey。"

Anapprovingmurmurwasheard，andalmostallfacesmanifestedgladsurprise。

"Hehasagreatmanyfriends，"mutteredtheking。"Heisdangerous，then！"Anangrylookdartedfromhiseyesupontheyoungearl，whowasnowapproachingthequeen，tobendhiskneebeforeherandtopresstohislipstheprofferedhand。

BehindthequeenstoodLadyJane，andasshebeheldthusclosebeforehertheyoungman，sohandsome，solongyearnedfor，andsosecretlyadored；andasshethoughtofheroath，shefeltaviolentpang，ragingjealousy，killinghatredtowardtheyoungqueen，whohad，itistrue，withoutsuspectingit，robbedherofthelovedone，andcondemnedhertotheterribletortureofpanderingtoher。

Thechiefmasterofceremoniesnowreadinaloudsolemnvoice，"Totheplaceofmasterofhorse，hismajestyappointsmyLordThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。"

Itwasverywellthatthekinghadatthatmomentdirectedhiswholeattentiontohiscourtiers，andsoughttoreadintheirappearancetheimpressionmadebythisnomination。

Hadheobservedhisconsort，hewouldhaveseenthatanexpressionofdelightedsurpriseflittedacrossCatharine'scountenance，andacharmingsmileplayedroundherlips。

Buttheking，aswehavesaid，thoughtonlyofhiscourt；hesawonlythatthenumberofthosewhorejoicedatSeymour'sappointmentdidnotcomeuptothatofthosewhoreceivedSurrey'snominationwithsomuchapplause。

Henryfrownedandmutteredtohimself，"TheseHowardsaretoopowerful。Iwillkeepawatchfuleyeuponthem。"

ThomasSeymourapproachedthequeen，and，bendinghiskneebeforeher，kissedherhand。Catharinereceivedhimwithagracioussmile。

"Mylord，"saidshe，"youwillatonceenteronservicewithme，andindeed，asIhope，insuchmanneraswillbeacceptabletothewholecourt。Mylord，takethefleetestofyourcoursers，andhastentoCastleHolt，wherethePrincessElizabethisstaying。Carryherthisletterfromherroyalfather，andshewillfollowyouhither。TellherthatIlongtoembraceinherafriendandsister，andthatI

prayhertopardonmeifIcannotgiveuptoherexclusivelytheheartofherkingandfather，butthatIalsomuststillkeepaplaceinthesameformyself。HastentoCastleHolt，mylord，andbringusPrincessElizabeth。"

CHAPTERX。

THEKING'SFOOL。

Twoyearshadpassedawaysincetheking'smarriage，andstillCatharineParrhadalwayskeptinfavorwithherhusband；stillherenemieswerefoiledintheirattemptstoruinher，andraisetheseventhqueentothethrone。

Catharinehadeverbeencautious，everdiscreet。Shehadalwayspreservedacoldheartandacoolhead。Eachmorningshehadsaidtoherselfthatthisdaymightbeherlast；thatsomeincautiousword，someinconsiderateact，mightdepriveherofhercrownandherlife。

ForHenry'ssavageandcrueldispositionseemed，likehiscorpulency，toincreasedaily，anditneededonlyatrifletoinflamehimtothehighestpitchofrage，ragewhich，eachtime，fellwithfatalstrokeonhimwhoarousedit。

Aknowledgeandconsciousnessofthishadmadethequeencautious。

Shedidnotwishtodieyet。Shestilllovedlifesomuch。Sheloveditbecauseithadasyetaffordedhersolittledelight。Sheloveditbecauseshehadsomuchhappiness，somuchraptureandenjoymentyettohopefromit。Shedidnotwishtodieyet，forshewaseverwaitingforthatlifeofwhichshehadaforetasteonlyinherdreams，andwhichherpalpitatingandswellinghearttoldherwasreadytoawakeinher，and，withitssunny，brillianteyes，arouseherfromthewintersleepofherexistence。

Itwasabrightandbeautifulspringday。Catharinewantedtoavailherselfofit，totakearideandforgetforonebriefhourthatshewasaqueen。Shewantedtoenjoythewoods，thesweetMaybreeze，thesongofbirds，thegreenmeadows，andtoinhaleinfulldraughtsthepureair。

Shewantedtoride。Nobodysuspectedhowmuchsecretdelightandhiddenrapturelayinthesewords。Noonesuspectedthatformonthsshehadbeenlookingforwardwithpleasuretothisride，andscarcelydaredtowishforit，justbecauseitwouldbethefulfilmentofherardentwishes。

Shewasalreadydressedinherriding-habit，andthelittleredvelvethat，withitslong，droopingwhitefeather，adornedherbeautifulhead。Walkingupanddowntheroom，shewaswaitingonlyforthereturnofthelordchamberlain，whomshehadsenttothekingtoinquirewhetherhewishedtospeakwithherbeforeherride。

Suddenlythedooropened，andastrangeapparitionshoweditselfonthethreshold。Itwasasmall，compactmasculinefigure，cladinvestureofcrimsonsilk，whichwastrimmedinastyleshowyandmotleyenough，withpuffsandbowsofallcolors，andwhich，justonaccountofitsmotleyappearance，contrastedstrangelyenoughwiththeman'swhitehair，andearnestandsombreface。

"Ah，theking'sfool，"saidCatharine，withamerrylaugh。"Well，John，whatisitthatbringsyouhere？Doyoubringmeamessagefromtheking，orhaveyoumadeaboldhit，andwishmetotakeyouagainundermyprotection？"

"No，queen，"saidJohnHeywood，seriously，"Ihavemadenoboldhit，nordoIbringamessagefromtheking。Ibringnothingbutmyself。

Ah，queen，Iseeyouwanttolaugh，butIprayyouforgetforamomentthatJohnHeywoodistheking'sfool，andthatitdoesnotbecomehimtowearaseriousfaceandindulgesadthoughtslikeothermen。"

"Oh，Iknowthatyouarenotmerelytheking'sfool，butapoetalso，"saidCatharine，withagracioussmile。

"Yes，"saidhe，"Iamapoet，andthereforeitisaltogetherproperformetowearthisfool'scap，forpoetsareallfools，anditwerebetterforthemtobehungonthenearesttreeinsteadofbeingpermittedtorunaboutintheircrazyenthusiasm，andbabblethingsonaccountofwhichpeopleofsensedespiseandridiculethem。Iamapoet，andtherefore，queen，Ihaveputonthisfool'sdress，whichplacesmeundertheking'sprotection，andallowsmetosaytohimallsortsofthingswhichnobodyelsehasthecouragetospeakout。

Butto-day，queen，Icometoyouneitherasafoolnorasapoet，butIcometoyoubecauseIwishtoclingtoyourkneesandkissyourfeet。IcomebecauseIwishtotellyouthatyouhavemadeJohnHeywoodforeveryourslave。Hewillfromthistimeforthlielikeadogbeforeyourthresholdandguardyoufromeveryenemyandeveryevilwhichmaypressuponyou。Nightanddayhewillbereadyforyourservice，andknowneitherreposenorrest，ifitisnecessarytofulfilyourcommandoryourwish。"

Ashethusspoke，withtremblingvoiceandeyesdimmedwithtears，hekneltdownandbowedhisheadatCatharine'sfeet。

"ButwhathaveIdonetoinspireyouwithsuchafeelingofthankfulness？"askedCatharinewithastonishment。"HowhaveI

deservedthatyou，thepowerfulanduniversallydreadedfavoriteoftheking，shoulddedicateyourselftomyservice？"

"Whathaveyoudone？"saidhe。"Mylady，youhavesavedmysonfromthestake！Theyhadcondemnedhim——thathandsomenobleyouth——

condemnedhim，becausehehadspokenrespectfullyofThomasMore；

becausehesaidthisgreatandnoblemandidrighttodie，ratherthanbefalsetohisconvictions。Ah，nowadays，itrequiressuchatrifletocondemnamantodeath！acoupleofthoughtlesswordsaresufficient！Andthismiserable，lick-spittleParliament，initsdastardlinessandworthlessness，alwayscondemnsandsentences，becauseitknowsthatthekingisalwaysthirstyforblood，andalwayswantsthefiresofthestaketokeephimwarm。Sotheyhadcondemnedmysonlikewise，andtheywouldhaveexecutedhim，butforyou。Butyou，whomGodhassentasanangelofreconciliationonthisregalthronereekingwithblood；youwhodailyriskyourlifeandyourcrowntosavethelifeofsomeoneofthoseunfortunateswhomfanaticismandthirstforbloodhavesentenced，andtoprocuretheirpardon，youhavesavemysonalso。"

"How！thatyoungmanwhowastobeburnedyesterday，wasyourson？"

"Yes，hewasmyson。"

"Andyoudidnottellthekingso？andyoudidnotintercedeforhim？"

"HadIdoneso，hewouldhavebeenirretrievablylost！Foryouwellknowthekingissoproudofhisimpartialityandhisvirtue！Oh，hadheknownthatThomasismysonhewouldhavecondemnedhimtodeath，toshowthepeoplethatHenrytheEightheverywherestrikestheguiltyandpunishesthesinner，whatevernamehemaybear，andwhoevermayintercedeforhim。Ah，evenyoursupplicationwouldnothavesoftenedhim，forthehigh-priestoftheEnglishChurchcouldneverhavepardonedthisyoungmanfornotbeingthelegitimatesonofhisfather，fornothavingtherighttobearhisname，becausehismotherwasthespouseofanothermanwhomThomasmustcallfather。"

"PoorHeywood！Yes，nowIunderstand。Thekingwould，indeed，neverhaveforgiventhis；andhadheknownit，yoursonwouldhaveinevitablybeencondemnedtothestake。"

"Yousavedhim，queen！DoyounotbelievenowthatIshallbeforeverthankfultoyou？"

"Idobelieveit，"saidthequeen，withapleasantsmile，assheextendedherhandforhimtokiss。"Ibelieveyou，andIacceptyourservice。"

"Andyouwillneedit，queen，foratempestisgatheringoveryourhead，andsoonthelightningwillflashandthethundersroll。"

"Oh，Ifearnot！Ihavestrongnerves！"saidCatharine，smiling。

"Whenastormcomes，itisbutarefreshingofnature，andIhavealwaysseenthatafterastormthesunshinesagain。"

"Youareabravesoul！"swirlJohnHeywood，sadly。

"Thatis，Iamconsciousofnoguilt！"

"Butyourenemieswillinventacrimetochargeyouwith。Ah，assoonasitistheaimtocalumniateaneighborandplungehiminmisery，menareallpoets！"

"Butyoujustnowsaidthatpoetsarecrack-brained，andshouldbehungtothefirsttree。Wewill，therefore，treattheseslanderersaspoets，thatisall。"

"No，thatisnotall！"saidJohnHeywood，energetically。"Forslanderersarelikeearth-worms。Youcuttheminpieces，butinsteadoftherebykillingthem，youmultiplyeachoneandgiveitseveralheads。"

"Butwhatisit，then，thatIamaccusedof？"exclaimedCatharine，impatiently。"Doesnotmylifelieopenandclearbeforeyouall？DoIevertakepainstohaveanysecrets？Isnotmyheartlikeaglasshouse，intowhichyoucanalllook，toconvinceyourselvesthatitisasoilwhollyunfruitful，andthatnotasinglepoorlittleflowergrowsthere？"

"Thoughthisbeso，yourenemieswillsowweedsandmakethekingbelievethatitisburninglovewhichhasgrownupinyourheart。"

"How！Theywillaccusemeofhavingalove-affair？"askedCatharine，andherlipsslightlytrembled。

"Idonotknowtheirplansyet；butIwillfindthemout。Thereisaconspiracyatwork。Therefore，queen，beonyourguard！Trustnobody，forfoesareeverwonttoconcealthemselvesunderhypocriticalfacesanddeceivingwords。"

"Ifyouknowmyenemies，namethemtome！"saidCatharine，impatiently。"Namethemtome，thatImaybewareofthem。"

"Ihavenotcometoaccuseanybody，buttowarnyou。Ishall，therefore，takegoodcarenottopointoutyourenemiestoyou；butIwillnameyourfriendstoyou。"

"Ah，then，Ihavefriends，too！"whisperedCatharine，withahappysmile。

"Yes，youhavefriends；and，indeed，suchasarereadytogivetheirbloodandlifeforyou。"

"Oh，namethem，namethemtome！"exclaimedCatharine，allofatremblewithjoyfulexpectation。

"Inamefirst，Cranmer，archbishopofCanterbury。Heisyourtrueandstaunchfriend，onwhomyoucanbuild。Helovesyouasqueen，andheprizesyouastheassociatewhomGodhassenthimtobringtocompletion，hereatthecourtofthismostChristianandbloodyking，theholyworkoftheReformation，andtocausethelightofknowledgetoilluminatethisnightofsuperstitionandpriestlydomination。BuildstronglyonCranmer，forheisyoursurestandmostinvariablesupporter，andshouldhesink，yourfallwouldinevitablyfollow。Therefore，notonlyrelyonhim，butalsoprotecthim，andlookuponhimasyourbrother；forwhatyoudoforhim，youdoforyourself。"

"Yes，youareright，"saidCatharine，thoughtfully。"Cranmerisanobleandstaunchfriend；andoftenenoughalreadyhehasprotectedme，intheking'spresence，againstthoselittlepin-prickingsofmyenemies，whichdonotindeedkill，butwhichmakethewholebodysoreandfaint。"

"Protecthim，andthusprotectyourself。"

"Well，andtheotherfriends？"

"IhavegivenCranmertheprecedence；butnow，queen，Inamemyselfasthesecondofyourfriends。IfCranmerisyourstaff，Iwillbeyourdog；and，believeme，solongasyouhavesuchastaffandsofaithfuladog，youaresafe。Cranmerwillwarnyouofeverystonethatliesinyourway，andIwillbiteanddriveofftheenemies，who，hiddenbehindthethicket，lurkinthewaytofalluponyoufrombehind。"

"Ithankyou！Really，Ithankyou！"saidCatharine，heartily。"Well，andwhatmore？"

"More？"inquiredHeywoodwithasadsmile。

"Mentionafewmoreofmyfriends。"

"Queen，itisagreatdeal，ifoneinalifetimehasfoundtwofriendsuponwhomhecanrely，andwhosefidelityisnotguidedbyselfishness。Youareperhapstheonlycrownedheadthatcanboastofsuchfriends。"

"Iamawoman，"saidCatharine，thoughtfully，"andmanywomensurroundmeanddailysweartomeunchangingfaithfulnessandattachment。How！arealltheseunworthythetitleoffriends？IsevenLadyJaneDouglasunworthy；she，whomIhavecalledmyfriendthesemanylongyears，andwhomItrustasasister？Tellme，JohnHeywood，youwho，asitissaid，knoweverything，andsearchouteverythingthattakesplaceatcourt，tellme，isnotLadyJaneDouglasmyfriend？"

JohnHeywoodsuddenlybecameseriousandgloomy，andlookedontheground，absorbedinreflection。Thenheswepthislarge，brighteyesallaroundtheroom，inascrutinizingmanner，asifhewishedtoconvincehimselfthatnolistenerwasreallyconcealedthere，andsteppingcloseuptothequeen，hewhispered:"Trusthernot；sheisapapist，andGardinerisherfriend。"

"Ah，Isuspectedit，"whisperedCatharine，sadly。

"Butlisten，queen；givenoexpressiontothissuspicionbylook，orwords，orbytheslightestindication。Lullthisviperintothebeliefthatyouareharmless；lullhertosleep，queen。Sheisavenomousanddangerousserpent，whichmustnotberoused，lest，beforeyoususpectit，itbiteyouontheheel。Bealwaysgracious，alwaysconfidential，alwaysfriendlytowardher。Only，queen，donottellherwhatyouwouldnotconfidetoGardinerandEarlDouglaslikewise。Oh，believeme，sheislikethelioninthedoge'spalaceatVenice。Thesecretsthatyouconfidetoherwillbecomeaccusationsagainstyoubeforethetribunalofblood。"

Catharineshookherheadwithasmile。"Youaretoosevere，JohnHeywood。Itispossiblethatthereligionwhichshesecretlyprofesseshasestrangedherheartfromme，butshewouldneverbecapableofbetrayingme，orofleaguingherselfwithmyfoes。No，John，youaremistaken。Itwouldbeacrimetobelievethus。MyGod，whatawickedandwretchedworlditmustbeinwhichwecouldnottrustevenourmostfaithfulanddearestfriends！"

"Theworldisindeedwickedandwretched，andonemustdespairofit，orconsideritamerryjest，withwhichthedevilticklesournoses。Forme，itissuchajest，andtherefore，queen，Ihavebecometheking'sfool，whichatleastgivesmetherightofspurtingoutuponthecrawlingbroodallthevenomofthecontemptI

feelformankind，andofspeakingthetruthtothosewhohaveonlylies，bydrippinghoney，everontheirlips。Thesagesandpoetsaretherealfoolsofourday，andsinceIdidnotfeelavocationtobeaking，orapriest，ahangman，oralambforsacrifice，Ibecameafool。"

"Yes，afool，thatistosay，anepigrammatist，whosebitingtonguemakesthewholecourttremble。"

"SinceIcannot，likemyroyalmaster，havethesecriminalsexecuted，Igivethemafewsword-cutswithmytongue。Ah，Itellyou，youwillmuchneedthisally。Beonyourguard，queen:Iheardthismorningthefirstgrowlofthethunder，andinLadyJane'seyesIobservedthestealthylightning。Trusthernot。TrustnooneherebutyourfriendsCranmerandJohnHeywood。"

"Andyousay，thatinallthiscourt，amongallthesebrilliantwomen，thesebravecavaliers，thepoorqueenhasnotasinglefriend，notasoul，whomshemaytrust，onwhomshemaylean？Oh，JohnHeywood，thinkagain，havepityonthepovertyofaqueen。

Thinkagain。Say，onlyyoutwo？Nofriendbutyou？"

Andthequeen'seyesfilledwithtears，whichshetriedinvaintorepress。

JohnHeywoodsawitandsigheddeeply。Betterthanthequeenherselfperhaps，hehadreadthedepthsofherheart，andknewitsdeepwound。Buthealsohadsympathywithherpain，andwishedtomitigateitalittle。

"Irecollect，"saidhe，gentlyandmournfully——"yes，Irecollect，youhaveyetathirdfriendatthiscourt。"

"Ah，athirdfriend！"exclaimedCatharine，andagainhervoicesoundedcheeryandjoyous。"Namehimtome，namehim！ForyouseeclearlyIamburningwithimpatiencetohearhisname。"

JohnHeywoodlookedintoCatharine'sglowingcountenancewithastrangeexpression，atoncesearchingandmournful，andforamomentdroppedhisheaduponhisbreastandsighed。

"Now，John，givemethenameofthisthirdfriend。"

"Doyounotknowhim，queen？"askedHeywood，asheagainstaredsteadilyinherface。Doyounotknowhim？ItisThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。"

TherepassedasitwereasunbeamoverCatharine'sface，andsheutteredalowcry。

JohnHeywoodsaid，sadly:"Queen，thesunstrikesdirectlyinyourface。Takecarethatitdoesnotblindyourbrighteyes。Standintheshade，yourmajesty，for，hark！therecomesonewhomightreportthesunshineinyourfaceforaconflagration。"

Justthenthedooropened，andLadyJaneappearedonthethreshold。

Shethrewaquick，searchingglancearoundtheroom，andanimperceptiblesmilepassedoverherbeautifulpaleface。

"Yourmajesty，"saidshesolemnly，"everythingisready。Youcanbeginyourridewhenitpleasesyou。ThePrincessElizabethawaitsyouintheanteroom，andyourmasterofhorsealreadyholdsthestirrupofyoursteed。"

"Andthelordchamberlain？"askedCatharine，blushing，"hashenomessagefromthekingtobringme？"

"Ay！"saidtheEarlofSurreyasheentered。"Hismajestybidsmetellthequeenthatshemayextendherrideasfarasshewishes。

ThegloriousweatheriswellworththattheQueenofEnglandshouldenjoyit，andenterintoacontestwiththesun。"

"Oh，thekingisthemostgallantofcavaliers，"saidCatharine，withahappysmile。"Nowcome，Jane，letusride。"

"Pardonme，yourmajesty，"saidLadyJane，steppingback。"Icannotto-dayenjoytheprivilegeofaccompanyingyourmajesty。LadyAnneEttersvilleisto-dayinattendance。"

"Anothertime，then，Jane！Andyou，EarlDouglas，youridewithus？"

"Theking，yourmajesty，hasorderedmetohiscabinet。"

"Beholdnowaqueenabandonedbyallherfriends！"saidCatharinecheerily，aswithlight，elasticstepshepassedthroughthehalltothecourtyard。

"HereissomethinggoingonwhichImustfathom！"mutteredJohnHeywood，whohadleftthehallwiththerest。"Amousetrapisset，forthecatsremainathome，andarehungryfortheirprey。"

LadyJanehadremainedbehindinthehallwithherfather。Bothhadsteppedtothewindow，andweresilentlylookingdownintotheyard，wherethebrilliantcavalcadeofthequeenandhersuitewasmovingaboutinmotleyconfusion。

Catharinehadjustmountedherpalfrey；thenobleanimal，recognizinghismistress，neighedloudly，and，givingasnort，rearedupwithhisnobleburden。

PrincessElizabeth，whowasclosetothequeen，utteredacryofalarm。"Youwillfall，queen，"saidshe，"youridesuchawildanimal。"

"Oh，no，indeed，"saidCatharine，smiling；"Hectorisnotwild。Itiswithhimaswithme。ThischarmingMayairhasmadeusbothmettlesomeandhappy。Away，then，myladiesandlords！ourhorsesmustbeto-dayswiftasbirds。WeridetoEppingForest。"

Andthroughtheopengatewaydashedthecavalcade。Thequeeninfront；atherright，thePrincessElizabeth；atherleft，themasterofhorse，ThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。

Whenthetrainhaddisappeared，fatheranddaughtersteppedbackfromthewindow，andlookedateachotherwithstrange，dark，anddisdainfullooks。

"Well，Jane？"saidEarlDouglas，atlength。"Sheisstillqueen，andthekingbecomesdailymoreunwieldyandailing。Itistimetogivehimaseventhqueen。"

"Soon，myfather，soon。"

"LovesthequeenHenryHowardatlast？"

"Yes，helovesher！"saidJane，andherpalefacewasnowcolorlessasawinding-sheet。

"Iask，whethersheloveshim？"

"Shewilllovehim！"murmuredJane，andthensuddenlymasteringherself，shecontinued:"butitisnotenoughtomakethequeeninlove；doubtlessitwouldbestillmoreefficientifsomeonecouldinstillanewloveintotheking。Didyousee，father，withwhatardentlookshismajestyyesterdaywatchedmeandtheDuchessofRichmond？"

"DidIseeit？Thewholecourttalkedaboutit。"

"Well，now，myfather，manageitsothatthekingmaybeheartilyboredto-day，andthenbringhimtome。HewillfindtheDuchessofRichmondwithme。"

"Ah，agloriousthought！YouwillsurelybeHenry'sseventhqueen。"

"IwillruinCatharineParr，forsheismyrival，andIhateher！"

saidJane，withglowingcheeksandflashingeyes。"Shehasbeenqueenlongenough，andIhavebowedmyselfbeforeher。Nowsheshallfallinthedustbeforeme，andIwillsetmyfootuponherhead。"

CHAPTERXI。

THERIDE。

Itwasawondrousmorning。Thedewstilllayonthegrassofthemeadows，overwhichtheyhadjustriddentoreachthethicketoftheforest，inwhosetreesresoundedthemelodiousvoicesofblithebirds。Thentheyrodealongthebanksofababblingforeststream，andspiedthedeerthatcameforthintothegladeontheotherside，asiftheywanted，likethequeenandhertrain，tolistentothesongofthebirdsandthemurmuringofthefountains。Catharinefeltanameless，blissfulpleasureswellherbosom。Shewasto-daynomorethequeen，surroundedbyperilsandfoes；nomorethewifeofanunloved，tyrannicalhusband；notthequeentrammelledwiththeshacklesofetiquette。Shewasafree，happywoman，who，inpresageful，blissfultrepidation，smiledatthefuture，andsaidtoeachminute，"Stay，stay，forthouartsobeautiful！"

Itwasasweet，dreamyhappiness，thehappinessofthathour。Withgladheart，Catharinewouldhavegivenhercrownforit，couldshehaveprolongedthishourtoaneternity。

Hewasatherside——heofwhomJohnHeywoodhadsaid，thathewasamonghermosttrustfulandtrustyfriends。Hewasthere；andevenifshedidnotdaretolookathimoften，oftentospeaktohim，yetshefelthispresence，sheperceivedtheglowingbeamsofhiseyes，whichrestedonherwithconsumingfire。Nobodycouldobservethem。

Forthecourtrodebehindthem，andbeforethemandaroundthemwasnaughtbutNaturebreathingandsmilingwithjoy，naughtbutheavenandGod。

Shehadforgottenhoweverthatshewasnotquitealone，andthatwhileThomasSeymourrodeonherleft，onherrightwasPrincessElizabeth——thatyounggirloffourteenyears——thatchild，who，however，underthefireofsufferingandthestormsofadversity，wasearlyforcedtoprecociousbloom，andwhoseheart，bythetearsandexperienceofherunhappychildhood，hadacquiredanearlyripeness。Elizabeth，achildinyears，hadalreadyallthestrengthandwarmthofawoman'sfeelings。Elizabeth，thedisownedanddisinheritedprincess，hadinheritedherfather'sprideandambition；andwhenshelookedonthequeen，andperceivedthatlittlecrownwroughtonhervelvetcapindiamondembroidery，shefeltinherbosomasharppang，andremembered，withfeelingsofbittergrief，thatthiscrownwasdestinednevertoadornherhead，sincetheking，bysolemnactofParliament，hadexcludedherfromthesuccessiontothethrone。[Footnote:Tytler，p。340]Butforafewweeksthispainhadbeenmoregentle，andlessburning。Anotherfeelinghadsilencedit。Elizabethwhowasnevertobequeenorsovereign——Elizabethmightbeawifeatleast。Sinceshewasdeniedacrown，theyshouldatleastallowherinsteadawife'shappiness；

theyshouldnotgrudgehertheprivilegeoftwininginherhairacrownofmyrtle。

Shehadbeenearlytaughttoeverhaveaclearconsciousnessofallherfeelings；norhadshenowshrunkfromreadingthedepthsofherheartwithsteadyandsureeye。

Sheknewthatsheloved，andthatThomasSeymourwasthemanwhomsheloved。

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