I do not
inquire into your motives, and therefore you have no right to inquire into
mine."
"It is not for my own satisfaction that I desire this proof," said Norris,
"because I would rather shield the king's indiscretions than betray
them. But the queen has conceived suspicions which she is
determined to verify"
"Think not to impose upon me," replied the monk with a sneer. "Bring
the queen this way, and she shall be fully satisfied."
"I can run no risk in trusting you," said Norris, "and therefore I accept
your offer."
"Say no more," cried the monk disdainfully, "I will await you here."
And Norris returned to the queen.
"Have you discovered anything? " she cried.
"Come with me, madam," said Norris, bowing and taking her hand.
Proceeding thus they glided through the throng of dancers, who
respectfully cleared a passage for them as they walked along until they
approached the spot where the tall monk was standing. As they drew
near him he moved on, and Norris and the queen followed in silence.
Passing from the great hall in which the crowd of dancers were
assembled, they descended a short flight of steps, at the foot of which
the monk paused, and pointed with his right hand to a chamber, partly
screened by the folds of a curtain.
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