登陆注册
15313700000094

第94章 MABEL LYNDWOOD(3)

"You can now proceed without my aid," said Herne: "but take care not to expose yourself to the sentinels."Keeping under the shade of the trees, for the moon was shining brightly, Surrey hastened towards the arbour, and as he entered it, to his inexpressible delight found that he had not been deceived, but that the Fair Geraldine was indeed there.

"How did you contrive this 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, Iam 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 Irelease 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, Iwell 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, then--free at least for three years--and if at the end of that time your affections are still unchanged, I am willing you should bind yourself to me for ever."" I cannot act with equal generosity to you," rejoined Surrey in a tone of deep disappointment."I would sooner part with life than relinquish the pledge I have received from you.But I am content that my constancy should be put to the test you propose.During the long term of my probation, I will shrink from no trial of faith.Throughout Europe I will proclaim your beauty in the lists, and will maintain its supremacy against all comers.But, oh! sweet Geraldine, since we have met in this spot, hallowed by the loves of James of Scotland and Jane Beaufort, let us here renew our vows of eternal constancy, and agree to meet again at the time you have appointed, with hearts as warm and loving as those we bring together now."And as he spoke he drew her towards him, and imprinted a passionate kiss on her lips.

"Let that ratify the pledge," he said.

"Ho! ho! ho!" laughed a deep voice without.

"What was that?" demanded the Fair Geraldine in a tone of alarm.

"You have the relic, have you not?" inquired the earl in a low tone.

"No" she replied, '' your messenger merely showed it to me.But why do you ask? Ah! I understand.The fiendish laughter that just now sounded in my ears proceeded from--""Herne the Hunter," replied Surrey, in a whisper."But fear nothing.Iwill defend you with my life.Ah! accursed chance! I have no weapon.""None would avail against him," murmured the Fair Geraldine."Lead me forth; I shall die if I stay here."Supporting her in his arms, Surrey complied, but they had scarcely gained the entrance of the arbour, when a tall figure stood before them.

It was the Duke of Richmond.A gleam of moonlight penetrating through the leaves, fell upon the group, and rendered them distinctly visible to each other.

"Soh!" exclaimed the duke, after regarding the pair in silence for a moment, "I have not been misinformed.You have contrived a meeting here.""Richmond," said Surrey sternly, "we once were dear and loving friends, and we are still honourable foes.I know that I am safe with you.I know you will breathe no word about this meeting, either to the Fair Geraldine's prejudice or mine.

"You judge me rightly, my lord," replied the duke, in a tone of equal sternness."I have no thought of betraying you; though, by a word to my royal father, I could prevent all chance of future rivalry on your part.Ishall, however, demand a strict account from you on liberation."" Your grace acts as beseems a loyal gentleman," replied Surrey.

"Hereafter I will not fail to account to you for my conduct in any way you please."Oh! let me interpose between you, my lords," cried the Fair Geraldine, "to prevent the disastrous consequences of this quarrel.I have already told your grace I cannot love you, and that my heart is devoted to the Earl of Surrey.Let me appeal to your noble nature--to your generosity--not to persist in a hopeless suit."

"You have conquered madam," said the duke, after a pause."I have been to blame in this matter.But I will make amends for my error.

Surrey, I relinquish her to you."

"My friend! " exclaimed the earl, casting himself into the duke's arms.

同类推荐
  • 渔樵闲话录

    渔樵闲话录

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • A Popular Account

    A Popular Account

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • Carmen

    Carmen

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • 重订产孕集

    重订产孕集

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
  • 含中集

    含中集

    本书为公版书,为不受著作权法限制的作家、艺术家及其它人士发布的作品,供广大读者阅读交流。
热门推荐
  • 天骄战神

    天骄战神

    穿越者林战了到玄天大陆之后,马上就面临着杀身之祸,层层布局之下能否有一线生机?临危不惧勇闯天下,叱咤风云决战强敌,登天之路看我一代天骄战神任意挥洒。
  • 卿本妖娆:腹黑夫君请自重

    卿本妖娆:腹黑夫君请自重

    世人道:她南荣沐云是青楼女子所生,所以她也一样的放荡轻浮,不知廉耻。她妩媚一笑,尽是无限风情,迷乱了世人的眼。世人道:她南荣沐云废材一名,简直有辱南荣世家的名声。她嗤之以鼻,南荣家,那是什么?她是云汐,从此跟南荣家不沾分毫。世人道:她云汐始终是没有姓氏的野丫头。他邪魅一笑:以吾之姓贯汝之名!妻随夫姓,从此她便是我的人了。她,异世重生,只想得自己一方逍遥天地,奈何总身不由己!他,一路扮猪吃老虎,护她、守她,那些伤她之人,他一个都不会放过。
  • 福妻驾到

    福妻驾到

    现代饭店彪悍老板娘魂穿古代。不分是非的极品婆婆?三年未归生死不明的丈夫?心狠手辣的阴毒亲戚?贪婪而好色的地主老财?吃上顿没下顿的贫困宭境?不怕不怕,神仙相助,一技在手,天下我有!且看现代张悦娘,如何身带福气玩转古代,开面馆、收小弟、左纳财富,右傍美男,共绘幸福生活大好蓝图!!!!快本新书《天媒地聘》已经上架开始销售,只要3.99元即可将整本书抱回家,你还等什么哪,赶紧点击下面的直通车,享受乐乐精心为您准备的美食盛宴吧!)
  • 走在青春之路

    走在青春之路

    讲述年轻人大学毕业后所经历的工作和生活,有迷茫,有奋进,还有理想。
  • 邪王魅妃:替身鬼新娘

    邪王魅妃:替身鬼新娘

    一场车祸,她命丧黄泉,离奇穿越。醒后发现自己身穿大红嫁衣躺在乱坟岗上,名副其实地变成了“活死人”。命运转盘下的恶作剧,未知的年代里,身世,死因皆是个谜。北宫冥的出现,间接揭开所有真相,她竟然是邪魅冥王的王妃——南宫灵。王宫里的冒牌王妃,她又是谁?
  • 南山阁

    南山阁

    命运已定,少年本该入赘富家却因姑姑的病踏上了寻奇草之路。一段惊心动魄的经历后,死里逃生的少年却又阴差阳错来到了南山雨阁。这里如同世外桃源,但却是神界遗孀。一个又一个阴谋的连锁就此展开。一切也由此才刚刚开始。情愫难了,爱恨交织,尔虞我诈,无休无止,鬼与神,人为上。颜景涧汐,何时终?
  • 穷人奋斗

    穷人奋斗

    一农村小伙子因为父母的离异而从小生活在黑暗中,他恨透了父亲,恨透了母亲,然而黑暗中还有着那么一点曙光再照耀着他,让他知道这世界需要的是什么。从来不知道什么是父爱母爱,也不知道爱所谓几何的他,在社会混迹了几年后。渐渐的懂得生活的无奈,生活的坚强,生活的快乐。再经历了一次离别痛苦后才坚定自己心中的曙光,为了情义拼了命,为了她而奋斗,更是为了拥有一个完美的家。
  • EXO之忘掉的爱情

    EXO之忘掉的爱情

    一个忘掉所有事情的人,不是她忘掉了,而是藏在了心底,而你,只有在这一层层迷雾下,才看得见。在恩,我们丢了你,对不起,明明说好不分离。——EXO在这里面,在恩,我一直在。——郑秀晶
  • 豪门总裁专宠妻

    豪门总裁专宠妻

    本小说一点也不虐,太虐了我怕体内洪荒之力爆发,把大家虐哭了,么么哒,真的不虐啦?
  • 福妻驾到

    福妻驾到

    现代饭店彪悍老板娘魂穿古代。不分是非的极品婆婆?三年未归生死不明的丈夫?心狠手辣的阴毒亲戚?贪婪而好色的地主老财?吃上顿没下顿的贫困宭境?不怕不怕,神仙相助,一技在手,天下我有!且看现代张悦娘,如何身带福气玩转古代,开面馆、收小弟、左纳财富,右傍美男,共绘幸福生活大好蓝图!!!!快本新书《天媒地聘》已经上架开始销售,只要3.99元即可将整本书抱回家,你还等什么哪,赶紧点击下面的直通车,享受乐乐精心为您准备的美食盛宴吧!)