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