"It allows me to show my mother's
likeness unveiled! That I could one day do so was her last prayer
and last wish, which she intrusted to John Heywood for me. To him
she committed this picture. He alone knew the secret of it, and he
has faithfully preserved it."
"Oh, John Heywood is a trusty and true friend," said Catharine,
heartily; "and it was he who assisted me in inclining the king to
our plan and in persuading him to acknowledge you."
With an unutterable expression Elizabeth presented both hands to
her. "I thank you for my honor, and the honor of my mother," said
she; "I will love you for it as a daughter; and never shall your
enemies find with me an open ear and a willing heart. Let us two
conclude with each other a league offensive and defensive! Lot us
keep true to each other; and the enemies of the one shall be the
enemies of the other also. And where we see danger we will combat it
in common; and we will watch over each other with a true sisterly
eye, and warn one another whenever a chance flash brings to light an
enemy who is stealing along in the darkness, and wants with his
dagger to assassinate us from behind."
"So be it!" said Catharine, solemnly. "We will remain inseparable,
and true to one another, and love each other as sisters!"
And as she imprinted a warm kiss on Elizabeth's lips, she continued:
"But now, princess, direct your looks once more to that document, of
which at first you read only the beginning.
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