s in
a gayer mood than had been usual with him of late.

"I am come to tell you, madam," he said, "that I am about to hold jousts
in the castle on the first of May, at which your good brother and mine,
the Lord Rochford, will be the challenger, while I myself shall be the
defendant. You will adjudge the prize."

"Why not make Jane Seymour queen of the jousts?" said Anne, unable to
resist the remark.

"She will be present at them," said Henry, "but I have my own reasons,"
he added significantly, "for not wishing her to appear as queen on this
occasion."

"Whatever may be your reasons, the wish is sufficient for me," said
Anne. "Nay, will you tarry a moment with me? It is long since we have
had any converse in private together."

"I am busy at this moment," replied Henry bluffly; "but what is it you
would say to me?"

"I would only reproach you for some lack of tenderness, and much
neglect," said Anne. "Oh, Henry! do you remember how you swore by your
life--your crown--your faith--all that you held sacred or dear--that you
would love me ever?"

"And so I would, if I could," replied the king; "but unfortunately the
heart is not entirely under control. Have you yourself, for instance,
experienced no change in your affections?"

"No," replied Anne. "I have certainly suffered severely from your
too evident regard for Jane Seymour; but, though deeply mortified and
distressed, I have never for a moment been shaken in my love for your
majesty."

"A loyal and loving reply," said Henry. "I thought I had perceived some
slight diminution in your regard."

"You did yourself grievous injustice by the supposition," replied Anne.

"I would fain believe so," said the king; "but there are some persons
who would persuade me that you have not only lost your affection for me,
but have even cast eyes of regard on another."

"Those who told you so lied!" cried Anne passionately. "Never woman was
freer from such imputation than myself."

"Never woman was more consummate hypocrite," muttered Henry.

"You do not credit me, I see," cried Anne.

"If I did not, I should know how to act," replied the king. "You
remember my pledge?"

"Full well," replied Anne; "and if love and duty would not restrain me,
fear would."

"So I felt," rejoined the king; "but there are some of your sex upon
whom nothing will operate as a warning--so faithless and inconstant are
they by nature. It has been hinted to me that you are one of these;
but