Deafening shouts rent the air as he approached;
blessings and good wishes were showered upon him; and hundreds of
caps were flung into the air. But noticing that Anne Boleyn was
received with evil looks and in stern silence, and construing this into an
affront to himself, Henry not only made slight and haughty
acknowledgment of the welcome given him, but looked out for some
pretext to manifest his displeasure. Luckily none was afforded him,
and he entered the castle in a sullen mood.
The day was spent in gentle exercise within the home park and on the
terrace, and the king affected the utmost gaiety and indifference; but
those acquainted with him could readily perceive he was ill at ease. In
the evening he remained for some time alone in his closet penning
despatches, and then summoning an attendant, ordered him to bring
Captain Bouchier into his presence.
"Well, Bouchier," he said, as the officer made his appearance, "have
you obeyed my instructions in regard to Mabel Lyndwood?"
"I have, my liege," replied Bouchier. "In obedience to your majesty's
commands, immediately after your arrival at the castle I rode to the
forester's hut, and ascertained that the damsel was still there.
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