l lead Jane Seymour
to the bransle."

"And if your majesty should need a partner," said Jane, walking up to
Anne and speaking in a low tone, "you will doubtless find Sir Henry
Norris disengaged."

The queen looked as if stricken by a thunderbolt. She heard the
triumphant laugh of her rival; she saw her led forth, all smiles and
beauty and triumph, by the king to the dance, and she covered her face
in agony. While she was in this state, a deep voice breathed in her
ears, "The vengeance of Catherine of Arragon begins to work!"

Looking up, she beheld the tall figure of the monk retreating from the
chamber.

III.

What passed between Norris and the Tall Monk.

Tottering to the seat which Henry and Jane had just quitted, Anne
sank into it. After a little time, having in some degree recovered
her composure, she was about to return to the great hall, when Norris
appeared.

"I did not deceive you, madam," he said, "when I told you the king was
insensible to your charms; he only lives for Jane Seymour."

"Would I could dismiss her!" cried Anne furiously.

"If you were to do so, she would soon be replaced by another," rejoined
Norris. "The king delights only in change. With him, the last face is
ever the most beautiful."

"You speak fearful treason, sir!" replied Anne; "but I believe it to be
the truth."

"Oh, then, madam!" pursued Norris, "since the king is so regardless of
you, why trouble yourself about him? There are those who would sacrifice
a thousand lives, if they possessed them, for your love."

"I fear it is the same with all men," rejoined Anne. "A woman's heart is
a bauble which, when obtained, is speedily tossed aside."

"Your majesty judges our sex too harshly," said Norris. "If I had the
same fortune as the king, I should never change."

"The king himself once thought so--once swore so," replied Anne
petulantly. "It is the common parlance of lovers. But I may not listen
to such discourse longer."

"Oh, madam!" cried Norris, "you misjudge me greatly. My heart is
not made of the same stuff as that of the royal Henry. I can love
deeply--devotedly--lastingly."

"Know you not that by these rash speeches you place your head in
jeopardy?" said Anne.

"I would rather lose it than not be permitted to love you," he replied.

"But your rashness endangers me," said the queen. "Your passion
has already been noticed by Jane Seymour, and the slightest further
indiscretion will be fatal."