"Well," asked the queen, "you are silent? You do not tell me what I
am to grant you?"
Lady Jane raised her eyes, and her look was serene and peaceful.
"Queen," said she, "I encountered in the ante-room one who is
unhappy, deeply bowed down. In your hand alone is the power to raise
him up again. Will you do it?"
"Will I do it!" exclaimed Catharine, quickly. "Oh, Jane, you well
know how much my heart longs to help and be serviceable to the
unfortunate! Ah, so many wounds are inflicted at this court, and the
queen is so poor in balm to heal them! Allow me this pleasure then,
Jane, and I shall be thankful to you, not you to me! Speak then,
Jane, speak quickly; who is it that needs my help?"
"Not your help, queen, but your compassion and your grace. Earl
Sudley has conquered poor Earl Surrey in the tournament to-day, and
you comprehend that your lord chamberlain feels himself deeply bowed
and humbled."
"Can I alter that, Jane? Why did the visionary earl, the
enthusiastic poet, allow himself a contest with a hero who already
knows what he wants, and ever accomplishes what he wills? Oh, it was
wonderful to look upon, with what lightning speed Thomas Seymour
lifted him out of the saddle! And the proud Earl Surrey, the wise
and learned man, the powerful party leader, was forced to bow before
the hero, who like an angel Michael had thrown him in the dust."
The queen laughed.
That laugh went through Jane's heart like a cutting sword.
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