But, then, we must exert ourselves, that when the
lion again shakes his mane his wrath may fall upon Catharine Parr
and the Seymours."
"The Lord our God will be with us, and enlighten us, that we may
find the right means to strike His enemies a sure blow!" exclaimed
Gardiner, devoutly folding his hands.
"I believe the right means are already found," said Earl Douglas,
with a smile; "and even before this day descends to its close, the
gates of the Tower will open to receive this haughty and soft-
hearted Duke of Norfolk and this apostate Earl Surrey. Perchance we
may even succeed in striking at one blow the queen together with the
Howards. See! an equipage stops before the grand entrance, and I see
the Duchess of Norfolk and her daughter, the Duchess of Richmond,
getting out of the carriage. Only see! they are making signs to us.
I have promised to conduct these two noble and pious ladies to the
king, and I shall do so. Whilst we are there, pray for us, your
highness, that our words, like well-aimed arrows, may strike the
king's heart, and then rebound upon the queen and the Seymours!"
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE ACCUSATION.
In vain had the king hoped to master his pains, or at least to
forget them, while he tried to sleep. Sleep had fled from the king's
couch; and as he now sat in his rolling-chair, sad, weary, and
harassed with pain, he thought, with gloomy spite, that the Duke of
Norfolk told him but yesterday that sleep was a thing under his
control, and he could summon it to him whenever it seemed good to
him.
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