Catharine grew pale before it.

"He has only the smile of a tyrant," said she to herself. "With this
same smile, by which he would now give expression to his love, he
yesterday, perhaps, signed a death-warrant, or will, to-morrow,
witness an execution."

"Do you love me, Kate?" suddenly said the king, who had till now
observed her in silence and thoughtfulness. "Say, Kate, do you love
me?"

He looked steadily into her eyes, as though he would read her soul
to the very bottom.

Catharine sustained his look, and did not drop her eyes. She felt
that this was the decisive moment which determined her whole future;
and this conviction restored to her all her self-possession and
energy.

She was now no longer the shy, timid girl, but the resolute, proud
woman, who was ready to wrestle with fate for greatness and glory.

"Do you love me, Kate?" repeated the king; and his brow already
began to darken.

"I know not," said Catharine, with a smile, which enchanted the
king, for there was quite as much graceful coquetry as bashfulness
on her charming face.

"You know not?" replied Henry, astonished. "Now, by the Mother of