The noble Cranmer was, therefore, ashamed of his momentary ill-
humor. A gentle smile lighted up his peaceful countenance. With an
air at once dignified and friendly, he crossed the room and
approached the Bishop of Winchester.

Lord Gardiner turned toward him with morose looks, and, without
advancing from the embrasure of the window in which he was standing,
waited for Cranmer to advance to him. As he looked into that noble,
smiling countenance, he had a feeling as if he must raise his fist
and dash it into the face of this man, who had the boldness to wish
to be his equal, and to contend with him for fame and honor.

But he reflected in good time that Cranmer was still the king's
favorite, and therefore he must proceed to work against him with
great caution.

So he forced these fierce thoughts back into his heart, and let his
face again assume its wonted grave and impenetrable expression.

Cranmer now stood close before him, and his bright, beaming eye was
fixed upon Gardiner's sullen countenance.

"I come to your highness," said Cranmer, in his gentle, pleasant
voice, "to say to you that I wish with my whole heart the queen may
choose you for her confessor and spiritual director, and to assure
you that, should this be the case, there will not be in my soul, on
that account, the least rancor, or the slightest dissatisfaction. I
shall fully comprehend it, if her majesty chooses the distinguished
and eminent Bishop of Winchester as her confessor, and the esteem