Then he swept his large, bright eyes all around the room, in a scrutinizing manner, as if he wished to convince himself that no listener was really concealed there, and stepping close up to the queen, he whispered: "Trust her not; she is a papist, and Gardiner is her friend." "Ah, I suspected it," whispered Catharine, sadly.
"But listen, queen; give no expression to this suspicion by look, or words, or by the slightest indication.

Lull this viper into the belief that you are harmless; lull her to sleep, queen.

She is a venomous and dangerous serpent, which must not be roused, lest, before you suspect it, it bite you on the heel.

Be always gracious, always confidential, always friendly toward her.

Only, queen, do not tell her what you would not confide to Gardiner and Earl Douglas likewise.