At the sight of him a glance of affection illumined her
features, but it was instantly changed into an expression of alarm.
At this juncture the Duke of Suffolk, who, with Bouchier and a party of
halberdiers, had entered the room, stepped up to the queen, and said-
"Will it please you, madam, to retire to an inner apartment? I grieve to
say you are under arrest."
"Arrest!" exclaimed Anne; " for what crime, your grace?"
"You are charged with incontinency towards the king's highness,"
replied Suffolk sternly.
"But I am innocent!" cried Anne -" as Heaven shall judge me, I am
innocent!"
"I trust you will be able to prove yourself so, madam," said Suffolk. "Sir
Henry Norris, your person is likewise attached."
"Then I am lost indeed!" exclaimed Anne distractedly.
Do not let these false and malignant accusations alarm you, madam,"
said Norri. "You have nothing to fear. I will die protesting your
innocence."
"Sir Henry Norris," said the duke coldly, "your own imprudence has
brought about this sad result."
"I feel it," replied Norris; "and I deserve the worst punishment that can
be inflicted upon me for it. But I declare to you as I will declare upon the
rack, if I am placed upon it--that the queen is wholly innocent.
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