nting was seen to move and slowly
open like a door, so as to render visible another picture concealed
beneath it, which represented the unfortunate Anne Boleyn in bridal
attire, in the full splendor of her beauty, as Holbein had painted her,
at the desire of her husband the king.

"How beautiful and angelic that countenance is!" said Catharine,
stepping nearer. "How innocent and pure those features! Poor queen! Yet
thine enemies succeeded in casting suspicion on thee and bringing thee
to the scaffold. Oh, when I behold thee, I shudder; and my own future
rises up before me like a threatening spectre! Who can believe herself
safe and secure, when Anne Boleyn was not secure; when even she had
to die a dishonorable death? Ah, do but believe me, Elizabeth, it is a
melancholy lot to be Queen of England; and often indeed have I asked the
morning whether I, as still Queen of England, shall greet the evening.
But no--we will not talk of myself in this hour, but only of you,
Elizabeth--of your future and of your fortune. May this document be
acceptable to you, and realize all the wishes that slumber in your
bosom!"

"One great wish of mine it has fulfilled already," said Elizabeth, still
occupied with the picture. "It allows me to show my mother's likeness
unveiled! That I could one day do so was her last prayer and last wish,
which she intrusted to John Heywood for me. To him she committed this
picture. He alone knew the secret of it, and he has faithfully preserved
it."

"Oh, John Heywood is a trusty and true friend," said Catharine,
heartily; "and it was he who assisted me in inclining the king to our
plan and in persuading him to acknowledge you."

With an unutterable expression Elizabeth presented both hands to her. "I
thank you for my honor, and the honor of my mother," said she; "I will
love you for it as a daughter; and never shall your enemies find with me
an open ear and a willing heart. Let us two conclude with each other a
league offensive and defensive! Lot us keep true to each other; and the
enemies of the one shall be the enemies of the other also. And where
we see danger we will combat it in common; and we will watch over each
other with a true sisterly eye, and warn one another whenever a chance
flash brings to light an enemy who is stealing along in the darkness,
and wants with his dagger to assassinate us from behind."

"So be it!" said Catharine, solemnly. "We will remain inseparable, and
true to one ano