"
"You do not love me, then, as I love you, Anne," said Norris. "If I were a
king,I would abandon my throne for you."
"You think so now, Norris, because you are not king," she replied. "But
I am queen, and will remain so, till I am forced to abandon my dignity."
"I understand, madam," rejoined Norris gloomily. "But oh I bethink you
to what risks you expose yourself. You know the king's terrible
determination--his vindictiveness, his ferocity."
"Full well," she replied--" full well; but I will rather die a queen than live
disgrace and ruined. In wedding Henry the Eighth, I laid my account to
certain risks, and those I must brave."
Before Norris could urge anything further, the door was suddenly
opened, and a tall dark figure entered the chamber, and said hastily -
"The king is at hand."
"One word more, and it is my last," said Norris to Anne." Will you fly with
me to-night?--all shall be ready."
"I cannot," replied Anne.
"Away!" cried Herne, dragging Norris forcibly behind the tapestry.
Scarcely had they disappeared when Henry entered the chamber. He
was in a gayer mood than had been usual with him of late.
"I am come to tell you, madam," he said, "that I am about to hold jousts
in the castle on the first of May, at which your good brother and mine,
the Lord Rochford, will be the challenger, while I myself shall be the
defendant.
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