She, too, said to herself: "I must at this hour risk all, if I do not want to lose all." She saw Henry Howard's pale, expectant face.
She knew, if the queen now spoke, the whole web of their conspiracy would be revealed to him.
She must, therefore, anticipate the queen.

She must warn Henry Howard.
"Fear nothing!" whispered she to him.

"We were prepared for that.

I have put into her hands the means of escape!" "Will you now at last speak ?" exclaimed the king, quivering with impatience and rage.

"Will you at last tell us where you were on that night ?" "I will tell!" exclaimed Catharine, rising up again boldly and resolutely "But woe be to those who drive me to this! For I tell you beforehand, from the accused I will become an accuser who demands justice, if not before the throne of the King of England, yet before the throne of the Lord of all kings! King Henry of England, do you ask me whither I went on that night with John Heywood?
I might, perhaps, as your queen and consort, demand that you put this question to me not before so many witnesses, but in the quiet of our chamber; but you seek publicity, and I do not shun it.