have a few words in private to say to you,
in the name of his majesty."

"Words in private!" repeated Catharine, as she stopped upon the terrace
of the palace. "Well, then, fall back, my lords and ladies; we wish to
receive his majesty's mysterious message."

The royal train silently and respectfully withdrew into the large
anteroom of the palace, while the queen remained alone with John Heywood
on the terrace.

"Now, speak, John."

"Queen, heed well my words, and grave them deep on your memory! A
conspiracy is forged against you, and in a few days, at the great
festival, it will be ripe for execution. Guard well, therefore, every
word you utter, ay, even your very thoughts. Beware of every dangerous
step, for you may be certain that a listener stands behind you! And
if you need a confidant, confide in no one but me! I tell you, a great
danger lies before you, and only by prudence and presence of mind will
you be able to avoid it."

This time the queen did not laugh at her friend's warning voice. She was
serious; she even trembled.

She had lost her proud sense of security and her serene confidence--she
was no longer guiltless--she had a dangerous secret to keep,
consequently she felt a dread of discovery; and she trembled not merely
for herself, but also for him whom she loved.

"And in what consists this plot?" asked she, with agitation.

"I do not yet understand it; I only know that it exists. But I will
search it out, and if your enemies lurk about you with watchful eyes,
well, then, I will have spying eyes to observe them."

"And is it I alone that they threaten?"

"No, queen, your friend also."

Catharine trembled. "What friend, John?"

"Archbishop Cranmer."

"Ah, the archbishop!" replied she, drawing a deep breath.

"And is he all, John? Does their enmity pursue only me and him?"

"Only you two!" said John Heywood, sadly, for he had fully understood
the queen's sigh of relief, and he knew that she had trembled for
another. "But remember, queen, that Cranmer's destruction would be
likewise your own; and that as you protect the archbishop, he also will
protect you with the king--you, queen, and your FRIENDS."

Catharine gave a slight start, and the crimson on her cheek grew deeper.
"I shall always be mindful of that, and ever be a true and real friend
to him and to you; for you two are my only friends: is it not so?"

"No, your majesty, I spoke to you of yet a third, of Thomas Seymour."

"Oh,