"Perdition!" exclaimed the king, striking his brow with his clenched
hand. "Oh, Catherine!" he continued, after a pause, during which she
intently watched the workings of his countenance, "and it was for this
light-hearted creature I was about to cast you off."
"I forgive you, sire--I forgive you!" exclaimed the queen, clasping his
hands, and bedewing them with grateful tears. "You have been
deceived. Heaven keep you in the same mind!"
"You have preserved me," said Henry, " but you must not tarry here.
Come with me to the royal lodgings."
"No, Henry," replied Catherine, with a shudder, "not while she is there."
"Make no conditions, madam," whispered Wolsey. "Go."
"She shall be removed to-morrow," said Henry.
"In that case I am content to smother my feelings," said the queen.
"Come, then, Kate," said Henry, taking her hand. "Lord cardinal, you
will attend us."
"Right gladly, my liege," replied Wolsey. "If this mood will only endure,"
he muttered, "all will go well. But his jealousy must not be allowed to
cool. Would that Wyat were here!"
Doctor Sampson could scarcely credit his senses as he beheld the
august pair come forth together, and a word from Wolsey explaining
what had occurred, threw him into transports of delight.
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