Heaving a deep sigh, he then arose, and paced the chamber
with rapid strides.
"Yes, it is better thus," he ejaculated. " If I remain near her, I shall do
some desperate deed. Better--far better--I should go. And yet to leave
her with Henry--to know that he is ever near her--that he drinks in the
music of her voice, and basks in the sunshine of her smile--while I am
driven forth to darkness and despair--the thought is madness! I will not
obey the hateful mandate! I will stay and defy him!"
As he uttered aloud this wild and unguarded speech, the arras
screening the door was drawn aside, and gave admittance to Wolsey.
Wyat's gaze sunk before the penetrating glance fixed upon him by the
Cardinal.
"I did not come to play the eavesdropper, Sir Thomas," said Wolsey;
"but I have heard enough to place your life in my power. So you refuse
to obey the king's injunctions. You refuse to proceed to Paris. You
refuse to assist in bringing about the divorce, and prefer remaining here
to brave your sovereign, and avenge yourself upon a fickle mistress.
Ha?"
Wyat returned no answer.
"If such be your purpose," pursued Wolsey, after a pause, during which
he intently scrutinised the knight's countenance, "I will assist you in it.
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