At this moment she would have given a year of her life if she had not taken this step--if she had not invited the earl to this meeting.
She wanted to try and regain in his eyes her lost position, and again to become to him the princess.
Pride in her was still mightier than love.

She meant her lover should at the same time bow before her as her favored servant.
Therefore she gravely said: "Earl Thomas Seymour, you have often begged us for a private conversation; we now grant it to you.

Speak, then! what matter of importance have you to bring before us ?" And with an air of gravity she stepped to an easy-chair, on which she seated herself slowly and solemnly like a queen, who gives audience to her vassals.
Poor, innocent child, that in her unconscious trepidation wished to intrench herself behind her grandeur, as behind a shield, which might conceal her maidenly fear and girlish anxiety! Thomas Seymour, however, divined her thoughts; and his proud and cold heart revolted against this child's attempt to defy him.
He wanted to humble her; he wished to compel her to bow before him, and implore his love as a gracious gift.
He therefore bowed low to the princess, and respectfully said: "Your highness, it is true I have often besought you for an audience; but you have so long refused me, that at last I could no longer summon up courage to solicit it; and I let my wish be silent and my heart dumb.
Therefore seek not now, when these pains have been subdued, to excite them again.

My heart should remain dead, my lips mute.

You have so willed; and I have submitted to your will.