“My grounds for the opinion are these,” replied Pole. “Constance’s nature is devout and impressionable. Full of grief and remorse, she was thrown into the way of Carver, who took advantage of her troubled state of mind to accomplish her conversion. Had I met her at that time she would not have been lost to us, and I still trust she may be recovered. With the rest of her history your Majesty is acquainted. It is a series of misfortunes; neither does it seem likely she will ever be wedded to him she loves. Happy had it been for her that she had never excited the King’s love! Happy had it been for her that her faith had not been unsettled, and that she had been able to pass her life in holy and tranquil retirement. But her destiny was otherwise. She has abjured her religion—she has lost her father’s affection—she has endured imprisonment—but, though sorely tempted, she has not sinned. Be it yours, gracious Madam, to preserve her from further suffering—from further temptation.” “What can I do?” cried Mary. “I have promised the King an order for her removal from your Eminence, and deliverance up to Bonner.” “Madam, if that order be given and acted upon, I shall resist it,” replied Pole. “Heaven aid me!” exclaimed the Queen. “I am sorely perplexed, and know not how to act for the best.” “Consult the King, your husband, Madam,” rejoined the Cardinal. “Tell him what I have told you, and of my resolution.” “I shall not need to be told,” said Philip, coming from behind the arras. “I have heard all that has passed between you and her Majesty.” “I shrink from nothing I have uttered, Sire,” rejoined Pole. “I should have spoken with equal freedom had you stood before me. But I beseech you pursue not this matter further. Consequences you may not foresee will flow from it. You will array against you a force stronger than you can resist. I may be compelled to yield, but my voice will be heard, and its echoes may shake your throne to its foundations.” “Your Eminence menaces me,” cried Philip, sternly. “No, Sire, I warn you,” rejoined the Cardinal, with dignity. “You are on a perilous path, from which it were wise to turn back.” [Illustration: CARDINAL POLE COUNSELS THE QUEEN. P. 300.] “Your Eminence seems to have forgotten your former experiences, and how you fared in your struggle with her Majesty’s royal father,” observed Philip. “In those days the priesthood received a lesson from the crown which it would be well if they remembered. The proudest of them, Wolsey, was hurled from his high place. I warn you, therefore, of your danger before you enter upon a conflict with me. What Henry VIII. accomplished may be done again. If the priesthood wax insolent they may be crushed. The Papal authority has been just restored, but it can be easily shaken off again. Your Eminence has but recently returned from a long exile, and you may have to endure a second banishment.”