"Your passion has
already been noticed by Jane Seymour, and the slightest further
indiscretion will be fatal."
"Nay, if that he so," cried Norris, "and your majesty should he placed in
peril on my account, I will banish myself from the court, and from your
presence, whatever the effort cost me."
"No," replied Anne, " I will not tax you so hardly. I do not think," she
added tenderly, "deserted as I am by the king, that I could spare you."
"You confess, then, that I have inspired you with some regard?" he
cried rapturously.
"Do not indulge in these transports, Norris," said Anne mournfully.
"Your passion will only lead to your destruction - perchance to mine.
Let the certainty that I do love, content you, and seek not to tempt your
fate further."
"Oh, madam! you make me the happiest of men by the avowal," he
cried. "I envy not now the king, for I feel raised above him by your
love."
"You must join the revel, Norris," said Anne; "your absence from it will
be observed."
And extending her hand to him, he knelt down and pressed it
passionately to his lips.
Ah! we are observed," she cried suddenly, and almost with a shriek.
"Rise, sir!"
Norris instantly sprang to his feet, and, to his inexpressible dismay, saw
the figure of a tall monk gliding away.
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