Chris lifted his eyes and dropped them again.
“God’s Body,” said the King, “and you come here!”
Again there was silence.
Chris saw his father half turn towards him with a piteous face, and perceived that the lawyer had drawn a little away.
The King turned abruptly to Cranmer.
“Did you know this, my Lord?”
“Before God, I did not!”—but his voice shook as he answered.
Chris was gripping his courage, and at last spoke.
“We were told it was a free-will act, your Grace.”
Henry said nothing to this. His eyes were rolling up and down the monk’s figure, with tight, thoughtful lips. Cranmer looked desperately at Sir James.