"
"A loyal and loving reply," said Henry. "I thought I had perceived some
slight diminution in your regard."
"You did yourself grievous injustice by the supposition," replied Anne.
"I would fain believe so," said the king; "but there are some persons
who would persuade me that you have not only lost your affection for
me, but have even cast eyes of regard on another."
"Those who told you so lied!" cried Anne passionately. "Never woman
was freer from such imputation than myself."
"Never woman was more consummate hypocrite," muttered Henry.
"You do not credit me, I see," cried Anne.
"If I did not, I should know how to act," replied the king. "You
remember my pledge?"
"Full well," replied Anne; "and if love and duty would not restrain me,
fear would."
"So I felt," rejoined the king; "but there are some of your sex upon
whom nothing will operate as a warning--so faithless and inconstant are
they by nature. It has been hinted to me that you are one of these; but I
cannot think it. I can never believe that a woman for whom I have
placed my very throne in jeopardy--for whom I have divorced my queen-
whose family I have elevated and ennobled--and whom I have placed
upon the throne would play me false.
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