"
"And I," said Edward Seymour, "I have begged of my brother the honor
of being allowed to accompany him in order to say to your majesty
that I know how to duly appreciate the high honor which you show our
family, and that, as your brother-in-law, I shall ever be mindful
that you were once my queen and I your subject."
"But I," cried Thomas Seymour, "I would not delay coming to you, in
order that I might show you that love only brings me to you, and
that no other consideration could induce me. The king's will is not
yet opened, and I know not its contents. But however it may
determine with respect to all of us, it cannot diminish or increase
my happiness in possessing you. Whatever you may be, you will ever
be to me only the adored woman, the ardently loved wife; and only to
assure you of this, I have come this very day."
Catharine extended her hand to him with a bewitching smile. "I have
never doubted of you, Seymour," whispered she, "and never did I love
you more ardently than when I wanted to renounce you."
She bowed her head on her lover's shoulder, and tears of purest joy
bedewed her cheeks. The Archbishop of Canterbury joined their hands,
and blessed them as betrothed lovers; and the elder Seymour, Earl
Hertford, bowed and greeted them as a betrothed couple.
On that very same day the king's will was opened. In the large
gilded hall, in which King Henry's merry laughter and thundering
voice of wrath had so often resounded, were now read his last
commands.
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