plead for him?" cried the king. "Really, my poor wife, you
suspect not how little ground you have to pity him, and to beg my mercy
for him. [Footnote: The king's own words,--See Leti, vol. I, p. 133,]
But you are right. We will respect his cassock, and think no more of
what a haughty and intriguing man is wrapped in it.--But beware, priest,
that you do not again remind me of that. My wrath would then inevitably
strike you; and I should have as little mercy for you as you say I ought
to show to other evil-doers. And in as much as you are a priest, be
penetrated with a sense of the gravity of your office and the sacredness
of your calling. Your episcopal see is at Winchester, and I think your
duties call you thither. We no longer need you, for the noble Archbishop
of Canterbury is coming back to us, and will have to fulfil the duties
of his office near us and the queen. Farewell!"

He turned his back on Gardiner, and, supported on Catharine's arm,
returned to his rolling-chair.

"Kate," said he, "just now a lowering cloud stood in your sky, but,
thanks to your smile and your innocent face, it has passed harmlessly
over. We thinks we still owe you special thanks for this; and we would
like to show you that by some office of love. Is there nothing that
would give you special delight, Kate?"

"Oh, yes," said she, with fervor. "Two great desires burn in my heart."

"Then name them, Kate; and, by the mother of God, if it is in the power
of a king to fulfil them, I will do it."

Catharine seized his hand and pressed it to her heart.

"Sire," said she, "they wanted to have you sign eight death-warrants
to-day. Oh, my husband, make of these eight criminals eight happy,
thankful subjects; teach them to love that king whom they have
reviled--teach their children, their wives and mothers to pray for you,
whilst you restore life and freedom to these fathers, these sons and
husbands, and while you, great and merciful, like Deity, pardon them."

"So shall it be!" cried the king, cheerfully. "Our hand shall have
to-day no other work than to rest in yours; and we will spare it
from making these eight strokes of the pen. The eight evil-doers are
pardoned; and they shall be free this very day."

With an exclamation of rapturous delight Catharine pressed Henry's hand
to her lips, and her face shone with pure happiness.

"And your second wish?" asked the king.

"My second wish," said she, with a smile, "pleads for the freedom of a