as I--I, Herne the Hunter. And
I contrived the meeting in anticipation of a far different result from
that which has ensued. But I now tell you, my lord of Surrey, that it
is idle to indulge a passion for the Fair Geraldine. You will never wed
her."

"False fiend, thou liest!" cried Surrey.

"Time will show," replied Herne. "I repeat, you will wed another--and
more, I tell you, you are blinder than Richmond has shown himself--for
the most illustrious damsel in the kingdom has regarded you with eyes of
affection, and yet you have not perceived it."

"The Princess Mary?" demanded Richmond.

"Ay, the Princess Mary," repeated Herne. "How say you now, my
lord?--will you let ambition usurp the place of love?"

"No," replied Surrey. "But I will hold no further converse with thee.
Thou wouldst tempt to perdition. Hence, fiend!"

"Unless you trust yourself to my guidance, you will never reach your
chamber," rejoined Herne, with a mocking laugh. "The iron door in
the mound cannot be opened on this side, and you well know what the
consequence of a discovery will be. Come, or I leave you to your fate."
And he moved down the path on the right.

"Go with him, Surrey," cried Richmond.

Pressing the Fair Geraldine to his breast, the Earl committed her to the
charge of his friend, and tearing himself away, followed the steps of
the demon. He had not proceeded far when he heard his name pronounced by
a voice issuing from the tree above him. Looking up, he saw Herne in one
of the topmost branches, and at a sign, instantly climbed up to him. The
thick foliage screened them from observation, and Surrey concluded his
guide was awaiting the disappearance of the sentinel, who was at that
moment approaching the tree. But such apparently was not the other's
intentions; for the man had scarcely passed than Herne sprang upon the
ramparts, and the poor fellow turning at the sound, was almost scared
out of his senses at the sight of the dreaded fiend. Dropping his
halbert, he fell upon his face with a stifled cry Herne then motioned
Surrey to descend, and they marched together quickly to a low door
opening into the keep. Passing through it, and ascending a flight
of steps, they stood upon the landing at the top of the staircase
communicating with the Norman Tower, and adjoining the entrance to
Surrey's chamber.

Apparently familiar with the spot, Herne took down a large key from a
nail in the wall, against which it hung, and unlocked the