Catharine observed him.

Her glance, sharpened by inward fear, read his thoughts on his brow, and understood the sigh which involuntarily arose from his breast.
She again seized courage; she might succeed in turning away by a smile the sword that hung over her head.
"Come, my lord and husband," said she, cheerfully, "the sun beckons to us, and the trees shake their heads indignantly because we are not yet there." "Yes, come, Kate," said the king, rousing himself with an effort from his brown study; "come, we will go down into God's free air.

Perhaps He is nearer to us there, and may illuminate us with good thoughts and wholesome resolutions.

Come, Kate." The queen gave him her arm, and, supported on it, the king advanced a few steps.

But suddenly Catharine stood still; and as the king fastened on her his inquiring look, she blushed and cast down her eyes.
"Well!" asked the king, "why do you linger ?" "Sire, I was considering your words; and what you say about the sun and wholesome resolutions has touched my heart and startled my conscience.
My husband, you are right; God is there without, and I dare not venture to behold the sun, which is God's eye, before I have made my confession and received absolution.