Introduce me to the king. I am sure I can move his heart, if I can only
see him."
"It would cost me my head, madam," said the duke in an inexorable
tone. " Rise, I pray you."
"You are more cruel than the king," said Anne, obeying. "And now, my
lords," she continued with more composure and dignity, "since you
refuse my last request, and plainly prove to me the sort of justice I may
expect, I will not detain you longer. I shall be ready to attend you to the
Tower tomorrow."
"The barge will proceed an hour before dawn," said Suffolk.
"Must I, then, go by water? " asked Anne.
"Such are the king's commands," replied Suffolk.
"It is no matter," she rejoined; "I shall be ready when you will, for I shall
not retire to rest during the night."
Upon this Suffolk and the others slowly withdrew, and Anne again
retired to the oratory.
She remained alone, brooding, in a state of indescribable anguish, upon
the probable fate awaiting her, when all at once, raising her eyes, she
beheld a tall dark figure near the arras.
Even in the gloom she recognised Herne the Hunter, and with difficulty
repressed a scream.
"Be silent!" cried Herne, with an emphatic gesture.
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