But that is only to demolish the web for
this time, without, however, being able to kill the spider that wove
it. So she must wear the rosette; for besides, without that I should
never be able either to find out to whom she is to give it. But the
paper that is concealed in the rosette--that I must have--that must
not be in it. 'If the king finds this paper. Catharine's death-
warrant is signed.' Now, my reverend priest of the devil, the king
will not find that paper, for John Heywood will not have it so. But
how shall I begin? Shall I tell the queen what I heard? No! She
would lose her cheerful spirit and become embarrassed, and the
embarrassment would be in the king's eyes the most convincing proof
of her guilt. No, I must take this paper out of the rosette without
the queen's being aware of it. Boldly to work, then! I must have
this paper, and tweak these hypocrites by the nose. How it can be
done, it is not clear to me yet; but I will do it--that is enough.
Halloo, forward to the queen!"
With precipitant haste he ran through the halls and corridors, while
with a smile he muttered away to himself: "Thank God, I enjoy the
honor of being the fool; for only the king and the fool have the
privilege of being able to enter unannounced every room, even the
queen's."
Catharine was alone in her boudoir, when the small door, through
which the king was accustomed to resort to her, was softly opened.
"Oh, the king is coming!" said she, walking to the door to greet her
husband.
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