Return
through the cloisters. Grant me a moment's interview alone there."
I cannot promise," replied the Fair Geraldine. And she followed in the
train of the Lady Anne.
The earl's request had not been unheard. As the royal train proceeded
towards the castle, Will Sommers contrived to approach the Duke of
Richmond, and said to him, in a jeering tone "You ran but indifferently at
the ring to-day, gossip. The galliard Surrey rode better, and carried off
the prize."
"Pest on thee, scurril knave--be silent!" cried Richmond angrily; "failure
is bad enough without thy taunts."
"If you had only missed the ring, gossip, I should have thought nothing
of it," pursued Will Sommers; "but you lost a golden opportunity of
ingratiating yourself with your lady-love. All your hopes are now at an
end. A word in your ear--the Fair Geraldine will meet Surrey alone this
evening."
"Thou liest, knave!" cried the duke fiercely.
"Your grace will find the contrary, if you will be at Wolsey's tomb-house
at vesper-time," replied the jester.
"I will be there," replied the duke; "but if I am brought on a bootless
errand, not even my royal father shall save thee from chastisement.
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