"Alas!" replied the Fair Geraldine in a mournful tone, "I feel we shall
never be united. This conviction, which has lately forced itself upon my
mind, has not made me love you less, though it has in some degree
altered my feelings towards you."
"But I may be able to move the king," cried Surrey. "I have some claim
besides that of kindred on the Lady Anne Boleyn--and she will obtain his
consent."
"Do not trust to her," replied the Fair Geraldine. "You may have
rendered her an important service, but be not too sure of a return. No,
Surrey, I here release you from the troth you plighted to me in the
cloisters."
I will not be released from it!" cried the earl hastily; "neither will I
release you. I hold the pledge as sacred and as binding as if we had
been affianced together before Heaven."
"For your own sake, do not say so, my dear lord," rejoined the Fair
Geraldine; "I beseech you, do not. That your heart is bound to me now, I
well believe--and that you could become inconstant I will not permit
myself to suppose. But your youth forbids an union between us for
many years; and if during that time you should behold some fairer face
than mine, or should meet some heart you may conceive more loving--
though that can hardly be--I would not have a hasty vow restrain you.
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