"
"I have neither raised you nor do I cast you down," rejoined Anne.
"That I am sensible of your devotion, and grateful for it, I admit, but
nothing more. My love and allegiance are due to the king."
"True," replied Norris bitterly; "they are so, but he is wholly insensible
to your merits. At this very moment he is pouring his love-vows in the
ear of Jane Seymour."
"Ah! is he so? "cried Anne. " Let me have proof of his perfidy, and I may
incline a more favourable ear to you."
"I will instantly obtain you the proof, madam," replied Norris, bowing
and departing.
Scarcely had he quitted the queen, and mixed with the throng of
dancers, than he felt a pressure upon his arm, and turning at the touch,
beheld a tall monk, the lower part of whose face was muffled up,
leaving only a pair of fierce black eyes and a large aquiline nose visible.
"I know what you want, Sir Henry Norris," said the tall monk in a low
deep voice; "you wish to give the queen proof of her royal lord's
inconstancy. It is easily done. Come with me."
." Who are you?" demanded Norris doubtfully.
" What matters it who I am?" rejoined the other; "I am one of the
masquers, and chance to know what is passing around me.
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