nt! For when
once the threshold of that frightful Tower is crossed, it denotes that
it is never to be left again; and if a queen is arrested and accused,
then is she also already condemned. Oh, my God, princess, do you
comprehend that--to have to die while life still throbs so fresh and
warm in our veins? To be obliged to go to death, while the future still
allures us with a thousand hopes, a thousand wishes? My God, to have to
descend into the desolate prison and into the gloomy grave, while the
world greets us with alluring voices, and spring-tide has scarcely awoke
in our heart!"

Streams of tears burst from her eyes, and she hid her face in her
trembling hands.

"Weep not, queen," whispered Elizabeth, herself trembling and pale as
death. "Weep not; but consider what is to be done. Each minute, and the
danger increases; each minute brings the evil nearer to us."

"You are right," said Catharine, as she again raised her head, and shook
the tears from her eyes. "Yes, you are right; it is not time to weep and
wail. Death is creeping upon me; but I--I will not die. I live still;
and so long as there is a breath in me I will fight against death. God
will assist me; God will help me to overcome this danger also, as I have
already done so many others."

"But what will you do? where can you begin? You know not the accusation.
You know not who accuses you, nor with what you are charged."

"Yet I suspect it!" said the queen, musingly. "When I now recall to mind
the king's angry countenance, and the malicious smile of that malignant
priest, I believe I know the accusation. Yes--everything is now clear to
me. Ah, it is the heretic that they would sentence to death. Well, now,
my lord bishop, I still live; and--we will see which of us two will gain
the victory!"

With proud step and glowing cheeks she hurried to the door. Elizabeth
held her hack. "Whither are you going?" cried she, in astonishment.

"To the king!" said she, with a proud smile. "He has heard the bishop;
now he shall hear me also. The king's disposition is fickle and easily
changed. We will now see which cunning is the stronger--the cunning of
the priest or the cunning of the woman. Elizabeth, pray for me. I go to
the king; and you will either see me free and happy, or never again."

She imprinted a passionate kiss on Elizabeth's lips, and hurriedly left
the chamber.

CHAPTER XXXV. CHESS-PLAY.

It was many days since the king had been as well as