She traversed the rooms and corridors, and now she entered the king’s anteroom. As she observed Gardiner, who was standing alone and separated from the rest in the embrasure of the window, she went up to him; and John Heywood, who was still hidden behind the curtain, shuddered at the frightful and scornful expression of her features.
She offered the bishop her hand, and tried to smile. “It is done” said she, almost inaudibly.
“What! The queen wears the rosette?” asked Gardiner vivaciously.
“She wears the rosette, and will give it to him.”
“And the note is in it?”
“It is concealed under the diamond clasp.”
“Oh, then she is lost!” muttered Gardiner. “If the king finds this paper, Catharine’s death-warrant is signed.”
“Hush!” said Lady Jane. “See! Lord Hertford is coming toward us. Let us go to meet him.”
They both left the window and walked out into the hall.
John Heywood immediately slipped from behind the curtain, and, softly gliding along by the wall, left the hall perceived by no one.