his meeting?" she cried, after their first
greetings had passed. "And how did you learn I was in the castle, for
the strictest instructions were given that the tidings should not reach
you."

The only response made by Surrey was to press her lily hand devotedly to
his lips.

"I should not have ventured hither," pursued the Fair Geraldine, "unless
you had sent me the relic as a token. I knew you would never part with
it, and I therefore felt sure there was no deception."

"But how did you get here?" inquired Surrey.

"Your messenger provided a rope-ladder, by which I descended into the
moat," she replied.

Surrey was stupefied.

"You seem astonished at my resolution," she continued; "and, indeed,
I am surprised at it myself; but I could not overcome my desire to see
you, especially as this meeting may be our last. The king, through the
Lady Anne Boleyn, has positively enjoined me to think no more of you
and has given your father, the Duke of Norfolk, to understand that your
marriage without the royal assent will be attended by the loss of all
the favour he now enjoys."

"And think you I will submit to such tyranny?" cried Surrey.

"Alas!" replied the Fair Geraldine in a mournful tone, "I feel we shall
never be united. This conviction, which has lately forced itself upon
my mind, has not made me love you less, though it has in some degree
altered my feelings towards you."

"But I may be able to move the king," cried Surrey. "I have some claim
besides that of kindred on the Lady Anne Boleyn--and she will obtain his
consent."

"Do not trust to her," replied the Fair Geraldine. "You may have
rendered her an important service, but be not too sure of a return.
No, Surrey, I here release you from the troth you plighted to me in the
cloisters."

"I will not be released from it!" cried the earl hastily; "neither will
I release you. I hold the pledge as sacred and as binding as if we had
been affianced together before Heaven."

"For your own sake, do not say so, my dear lord," rejoined the Fair
Geraldine; "I beseech you, do not. That your heart is bound to me now,
I well believe--and that you could become inconstant I will not permit
myself to suppose. But your youth forbids an union between us for many
years; and if during that time you should behold some fairer face than
mine, or should meet some heart you may conceive more loving--though
that can hardly be--I would not have a hasty vow restrain you. Be free,
th