“Ah! Cromwell,” cried Sir Thomas, regretting what he had said, “I implore you do not betray my situation!”
“I am far from betraying you, sir, since I offer you a very sure and very simple means of removing all that is dangerous in that situation. I can promise you that if you satisfy the king on this point, and if you testify that you accept and recognize him without any repugnance as supreme head of the church, not only will he pardon your fault, but he will overwhelm you with new favors.”
On hearing this proposal Sir Thomas looked steadily at him.
“Sir,” he said, “I thank you. I now understand what they ask of me, and why they have placed my name and that of my friend on the list of the accused, which, in reality, would not be able to reach or injure us. Now I have no longer any doubt. When will the trial begin?”
“What do you say?” interrupted Cromwell. “What! you refuse?”
“I refuse nothing,” said Sir Thomas modestly; “I only ask when the trial will take place, and when I must present myself at the bar.”
“But reflect on the wrong you do!” replied Cromwell.
“I have considered everything,” responded Sir Thomas.
“Ah! well, then, do as you please.… To-morrow the commission will assemble in the Tower, and I very much fear, from your obstinacy, that you will remain there.”
“In that event I will make my preparations to-night,” replied Sir Thomas.