"I need not tell you how necessary secrecy is in the matter." Ralph was considerably startled as he went home, and realized better what it was that he had heard.

While prudent persons were already trembling at the King's effrontery and daring in the past, Henry was meditating a yet further step.

He began to see now that the instinct of the country was, as always, sharper than that of the individual, and that these uneasy strivings everywhere rose from a very definite perception of danger.

The idea of the King's supremacy, as represented by Cromwell, would not seem to be a very startling departure; similar protests of freedom had been made in previous reigns, but now, following as it did upon overt acts of disobedience to the Sovereign Pontiff, and of disregard of his authority in matters of church-law and even of the status of Religious houses, it seemed to have a significance that previous protests had lacked.
And behind it all was the King's conscience! This was a new thought to Ralph, but the more he considered it the more it convinced him.

It was a curious conscience, but a mighty one, and it was backed by an indomitable will.