Meanwhile, word having reached Wolsey and Campeggio of the new
cause of jealousy which the king had received, it was instantly resolved
that the former should present to him, while in his present favourable
mood, a despatch received that morning from Catherine of Arragon.
Armed with the letter, Wolsey repaired to the king's closet. Not finding
him there, and being given to understand by an usher that he was in the
great gallery, he proceeded thither. As he walked softly along the
polished oak floor, he heard voices in one of the recesses, and
distinguished the tones of Henry and Anne Boleyn.
Henry was clasping the snowy fingers of his favourite, and gazing
passionately at her, as the cardinal approached.
"Your majesty shall not detain my hand," said Anne, "unless you swear
to me, by your crown, that you will not again be jealous without cause."
"I swear it," replied Henry.
"Were your majesty as devoted to me as you would have me believe,
you would soon bring this matter of the divorce to an issue," said Anne.
"I would fain do so, sweetheart," rejoined Henry; "but these cardinals
perplex me sorely."
"I am told by one who overheard him, that Wolsey has declared the
divorce shall not be settled these two years," said Anne; "in which case
it had better not be settled at all; for I care not to avow I cannot brook
so much delay.
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