"
"I obey you now as I have ever done," she replied, rising; "though if I
followed the prompting of my heart, I should not quit my knees till I had
gained my suit."
"You have, done wrong in coming here, Catherine, at this juncture," said
Henry, "and may compel me to some harsh measure which I would
willingly have avoided."
"No one knows I am here," replied the queen, "except two faithful
attendants, who are vowed to secrecy; and I shall depart as I came."
"I am glad you have taken these precautions," replied Henry. "Now
speak freely, but again I must bid you be brief."
"I will be as brief as I can," replied the queen; "but I pray you bear with
me, Henry, if I unhappily weary you. I am full of misery and affliction,
and never was daughter and wife of king wretched as I am. Pity me,
Henry--pity me! But that I restrain myself, I should pour forth my soul in
tears before you. Oh, Henry, after twenty years' duty and to be brought
to this unspeakable shame--to be cast from you with dishonour--to be
supplanted by another--it is terrible!"
"If you have only come here to utter reproaches, madam, I must put an
end to the interview," said Henry, frowning.
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