"I shall urge them there with all the force I can," replied Catherine, " for
I will leave nought untried to hinder an event so fraught with misery.
But I feel the struggle will be hopeless."
"Then why make it?" rejoined Henry.
"Because it is due to you--to myself--to the princess our daughter--to our
illustrious progenitors--and to our people, to make it," replied Catherine.
"I should be unworthy to be your consort if I acted otherwise--and I will
never, in thought, word, or deed, do aught derogatory to that title. You
may divorce me, but I will never assent to it; you may wed Anne Boleyn,
but she will never be your lawful spouse; and you may cast me from
your palace, but I will never go willingly."
"I know you to be contumacious, madam," replied Henry. "And now, I
pray you, resume your mask, and withdraw. What I have said will
convince you that your stay is useless."
"I perceive it," replied Catherine. "Farewell, Henry--farewell, loved
husband of my heart--farewell for ever!"
"Your mask--your mask, madam!" cried Henry impatiently. "God's death!
footsteps are approaching. Lot no one enter here! " he cried aloud.
"I will come in," said Anne Boleyn, stepping into the chapel just as
Catherine had replaced her mask.
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