"I have no thought of betraying you; though, by a word to my
royal father, I could prevent all chance of future rivalry on your part. I
shall, however, demand a strict account from you on liberation."
" Your grace acts as beseems a loyal gentleman," replied Surrey.
"Hereafter I will not fail to account to you for my conduct in any way
you please."
Oh! let me interpose between you, my lords," cried the Fair Geraldine,
"to prevent the disastrous consequences of this quarrel. I have already
told your grace I cannot love you, and that my heart is devoted to the
Earl of Surrey. Let me appeal to your noble nature--to your generosity--
not to persist in a hopeless suit."
"You have conquered madam," said the duke, after a pause. "I have
been to blame in this matter. But I will make amends for my error.
Surrey, I relinquish her to you."
"My friend! " exclaimed the earl, casting himself into the duke's arms.
"I will now endeavour to heal the wounds I have unwittingly
occasioned," said the Fair Geraldine. "I am surprised your grace should
be insensible to attractions so far superior to mine as those of the Lady
Mary Howard."
"The Lady Mary is very beautiful, I confess," said the duke; "and if you
had not been in the way, I should assuredly have been her captive.
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