No! there is nobody here whom you shall arrest; and, by the holy mother of God, were your eyes not blind, you would have seen that here, where the king is taking an airing with his consort, there could be no one whom these catchpolls had to look for! The presence of the royal majesty is like the presence of God; it dispenses happiness and peace about it; and whoever is touched by his glory, is graced and sanctified thereby." "But, your majesty," screamed Gardiner, whom anger and disappointed hope had made forgetful of all considerations, "you wanted me to arrest the queen; you yourself gave me the order for it; and now when I come to execute your will--now you repudiate me." The king uttered a yell of rage, and with lifted arm moved some steps toward Gardiner.
But suddenly he felt his arm held back.

It was Catharine, who had hurried up to the king.

"Oh, my husband," said she, in a low whisper, "whatever he may have done, spare him! Still he is a priest of the Lord; and so let his sacred robe protect him, though perchance his deeds condemn him!" "Ah, do you plead for him ?" cried the king.

"Really, my poor wife, you suspect not how little ground you have to pity him, and to beg my mercy for him.

[Footnote: The king's own words,--See Leti, vol.I, p.