reflected, too, that he had also,
afterward, attended both these queens when they ascended the scaffold.

How easily might this pitiable young wife of the king fall a victim to
the same dark fate! How easily might Catharine Parr, like Anne Boleyn
and Catharine Howard, purchase her short-lived glory with an ignominious
death! At any time an inconsiderate word, a look, a smile, might be her
ruin. For the king's choler and jealousy were incalculable, and, to his
cruelty, no punishment seemed too severe for those by whom he fancied
himself injured.

Such were the thoughts which occupied Bishop Cranmer. They softened him,
and caused the dark wrinkles to disappear from his brow.

He now smiled to himself at the ill-humor which he had felt shortly
before, and upbraided himself for having been so little mindful of his
holy calling, and for having exhibited so little readiness to meet his
enemy in a conciliating spirit.

For Gardiner was his enemy; that Cranmer very well knew. Gardiner had
often enough showed him this by his deeds, as he had also taken pains by
his words to assure him of his friendship.

But even if Gardiner hated him, it did not therefore follow that Cranmer
was obliged to return that hatred; that he should denominate him his
enemy, whom he, in virtue of their mutual high calling, was bound to
honor and love as his brother.

The noble Cranmer was, therefore, ashamed of his momentary ill-humor.
A gentle smile lighted up his peaceful countenance. With an air at once
dignified and friendly, he crossed the room and approached the Bishop of
Winchester.

Lord Gardiner turned toward him with morose looks, and, without
advancing from the embrasure of the window in which he was standing,
waited for Cranmer to advance to him. As he looked into that noble,
smiling countenance, he had a feeling as if he must raise his fist and
dash it into the face of this man, who had the boldness to wish to be
his equal, and to contend with him for fame and honor.

But he reflected in good time that Cranmer was still the king's
favorite, and therefore he must proceed to work against him with great
caution.

So he forced these fierce thoughts back into his heart, and let his face
again assume its wonted grave and impenetrable expression.

Cranmer now stood close before him, and his bright, beaming eye was
fixed upon Gardiner's sullen countenance.

"I come to your highness," said Cranmer, in his gentle, pleasant voice,
"to sa