Behind him stood the
jester, Will Sommers, who was equally curious with himself. The litter
of Cardinal Campeggio passed through the gateway and proceeded to
the lodgings reserved for his eminence.
Scarcely had Wolsey taken up his station than Henry rode up, and,
alighting, consigned his horse to a page, and, followed by the Duke of
Richmond and the Earl of Surrey, advanced towards Anne Boleyn, who
immediately stepped forward to meet him.
"Fair mistress," he said, taking her hand, and regarding her with a look
of passionate devotion, "I welcome you to this my castle of Windsor,
and trust soon to make you as absolute mistress of it as I am lord and
master."
Anne Boleyn blushed, and cast down her eyes, and Sir Thomas Wyat,
who stood at some little distance with his hand upon his saddle,
regarding her, felt that any hopes he might have entertained were
utterly annihilated.
"Heard you that, my lord cardinal?" said Will Sommers to Wolsey. "She
will soon be mistress here. As she comes in, you go out--mind that!"
The cardinal made no answer further than was conveyed by the
deepened colour of his cheeks.
Amid continued fanfares and acclamations, Harry then led Anne Boleyn
through the gateway, followed by the ladies in waiting, who were joined
by Richmond and Surrey.
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