n his private
conversation, convince you that he is king, and you nothing more than
his lickspittle, fawning, hypocritical servant Earl Archibald Douglas."

"My lord and husband, I beg you to hear the earl's justification," said
Catharine, as she extended her hand to the king with a bewitching smile.

"It would be cruel to condemn him unheard, I will hear him, but it shall
be done in your presence, Kate, and you yourself shall decide whether or
not his justification is sufficient."

"No indeed, my husband; let me remain an entire stranger to this night's
conspiracy, so that spite and anger may not fill my heart and rob me of
the supreme confidence which I need, to be able to walk on at your side
happy and smiling in the midst of my enemies."

"You are right, Kate," said the king, thoughtfully. "You have many
enemies at our court; and we have to accuse ourselves that we have not
always succeeded in stopping our ear to their malicious whisperings, and
in keeping ourselves pure from the poisonous breath of their calumny.
Our heart is still too artless, and we cannot even yet comprehend that
men are a disgusting, corrupt race, which one should tread beneath his
feet, but never take to his heart. Come, Earl Douglas, I will hear you;
but woe to you, if you are unable to justify yourself!"

He retired to the embrasure of the large window of the boudoir. Earl
Douglas followed him thither, and let the heavy velvet curtain drop
behind them.

"Sire," said he, hardily and resolutely, "the question now is this:
Whose head would you rather give over to the executioner, mine or the
Earl of Surrey's? You have the choice between the two. You are aware
that I have ventured for a moment to deceive you. Well, send me to the
Tower then, and set free the noble Henry Howard, that he may henceforth
disturb your sleep and poison your days; that he may further court the
love of the people, and perhaps some day rob your son of the throne that
belongs to him. Here is my head, sire; it is forfeited to the headsman's
axe, and Earl Surrey is free!"

"No, he is not free, and never shall be!" said the king, grinding his
teeth.

"Then, my king, I am justified; and instead of being angry with me, you
will thank me? It is true I have played a hazardous game, but I did so
in the service of my king. I did it because I loved him, and because I
read on your lofty clouded brow the thoughts that begirt with darkness
my master's soul, and disturbed the