king to go in formal procession for the young queen, and conduct her
to the balcony. Let us go, then."

Gardiner nodded in silence, and betook himself to the reception-
hall.

Earl Douglas with his daughter followed him. "Catharine Parr is
lost," whispered he in Lady Jane's ear. "Catharine Parr is lost, and
you shall be the king's seventh wife."

Whilst this was passing in the drawing-room, the young queen was on
her knees before Cranmer, and with him sending up to God fervent
prayers for prosperity and peace. Tears filled her eyes, and her
heart trembled as if before some approaching calamity.




CHAPTER II

THE QUEEN AND HER FRIEND


At last this long day of ceremonies and festivities drew near its
close, and Catharine might soon hope to be, for the time, relieved
from this endless presenting and smiling, from this ever-renewed
homage.

At her husband's side she had shown herself on the balcony to
receive the greetings of the people, and to bow her thanks. Then in