The king, who observed this, laughed and impressed a kiss on her
forehead. Then he turned to his court; "Now, good-night, my lords
and gentlemen," said he, with a gracious inclination of the head.
"The feast is at an end, and we need rest."

"Forget not the Princess Elizabeth," whispered Archbishop Cranmer,
as he took leave of Catharine, and pressed to his lips her proffered
hand.

I will not forget her," murmured Catharine, and, with throbbing
heart and trembling with inward dread, she saw them all retire, and
leave her alone with the king.




CHAPTER VI.

THE INTERCESSION.


"And now, Kate," said the king, when all had withdrawn, and he was
again alone with her, "now let us forget everything, save that we
love each other."

He embraced her and with ardor pressed her to his breast. Wearied to
death, she bowed her head on his shoulder and lay there like a
shattered rose, completely broken, completely passive.