call; perhaps we shall need you. Pray for us, and with us.
Ah, we still owe this heretical queen a grudge for Anne Askew. To-day
we will pay her. Then she accused us, to-day we will accuse her, and God
and His host of saints and angels are with us."

And the pious and godly priest crossed himself, and with head humbly
bowed and a soft smile about his thin, bloodless lips, strode through
the hall in order to betake himself to the king's chamber.

CHAPTER XXXIV. THE KING AND THE PRIEST.

"God bless and preserve your majesty!" said Gardiner as he entered, to
the king, who just then was sitting with the queen at the chess-board.
With frowning brow and compressed lips he looked over the game, which
stood unfavorable for him, and threatened him with a speedy checkmate.

It was not wise in the queen not to let the king win; for his
superstitious and jealous temper looked upon such a won game of chess as
withal an assault on his own person. And he who ventured to conquer
him at chess was always to Henry a sort of traitor that threatened his
kingdom, and was rash enough to attempt to seize the crown.

The queen very well knew that, but--Gardiner was right--she was too
self-confident. She trusted a little to her power over the king; she
imagined he would make an exception in her favor. And it was so dull to
be obliged ever to be the losing and conquered party at this game; to
permit the king always to appear as the triumphant victor, and to bestow
on his game praise which he did not deserve. Catharine wanted to allow
herself for once the triumph of having beaten her husband. She fought
him man to man; she irritated him by the ever-approaching danger. The
king, who at the beginning had been cheerful, and laughed when Catharine
took up one of his pieces--the king now no longer laughed. It was
no more a game. It was a serious struggle; and he contended with his
consort for the victory with impassioned eagerness. Catharine did not
even see the clouds which were gathering on the king's brow. Her looks
were directed only to the chess-board; and, breathless with expectation
and glowing with eagerness, she considered the move she was about to
make.

But Gardiner was very well aware of the king's secret anger; and he
comprehended that the situation was favorable for him.

With soft, sneaking step he approached the king, and, standing behind
him, looked over the game.

"You are checkmated in four moves, my husband!" said t