I will at least sell my life as dearly as possible; and the maxim which Cranmer has given me shall hereafter be my guide on the thorny path of life." "And how runs this maxim ?" asked Jane.
"Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves," replied Catharine, with a languid smile, as she dropped her head upon her breast and surrendered herself to her painful and foreboding reflections.
Lady Jane stood opposite to her, and gazed with cruel composure upon the painfully convulsed countenance and at times violently trembling form of the young queen for whom all England that day kept festival, and who yet was sitting before her so wretched and full of sorrow.
Suddenly Catharine raised her head.

Her countenance had now assumed an entirely different expression.

It was now firm, resolute, and dauntless.
With a slight inclination of the head she extended her hand to Lady Jane, and drew her friend more closely to her.
"I thank you, Jane," said she, as she imprinted a kiss upon her forehead--"I thank you! You have done my heart good and relieved it of its oppressive load of secret anguish.

He who can give his grief utterance, is already half cured of it.

I thank you, then, Jane! Henceforth, you will find me calm and cheerful.