And what matter? The gory scaffold
were better than Henry's bed."
"I cannot harm her," cried Wyat distractedly. "I love her still, devotedly
as ever. She was in my power yesterday, and without your aid,
cardinal, I could have wreaked my vengeance upon her, if I had been so
minded."
"You were then in her chamber, as the king suspected?" cried Wolsey,
with a look of exultation. "Trouble yourself no more, Sir Thomas. I will
take the part of vengeance off your hands."
"My indiscretion will avail you little, cardinal," replied Wyat sternly. "A
hasty word proves nothing. I will perish on the rack sooner than
accuse Anne Boleyn. I am a desperate man, but not so desperate as
you suppose me. A moment ago I might have been led on, by the
murderous and traitorous impulse that prompted me, to lift my hand
against the king, but I never could have injured her."
"You are a madman! " cried Wolsey impatiently, "and it is a waste of
time to argue with you. I wish you good speed on your journey. On your
return you will find Anne Boleyn Queen of England."
"And you disgraced," rejoined Wyat, as, with a malignant and vindictive
look, the cardinal quitted the chamber.
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