“But what is his love compared to the king's?” cried Rochford. “Tut, tut, girl! think no more of him.”
“I will not, my lord,” she rejoined; “I see the prudence of your counsel, and will obey it. Leave me, I pray you. I will soon win back the affections of the king.”
No sooner had Rochford quitted the chamber than the arras at the farther end was raised, and Wyat stepped from behind it. His first proceeding was to bar the door.
“What means this, Sir Thomas?” cried Anne in alarm. “How have you obtained admittance here?”
“Through the secret staircase,” replied Wyat, bending the knee before her.
“Rise, sir!” cried Anne, in great alarm. “Return, I beseech you, as you came. You have greatly endangered me by coming here. If you are seen to leave this chamber, it will be in vain to assert my innocence to Henry. Oh, Sir Thomas! you cannot love me, or you would not have done this.”
“Not love you, Anne!” he repeated bitterly; “not love you I Words cannot speak my devotion. I would lay down my head on the scaffold to prove it. But for my love for you, I would throw open that door, and walk forth so that all might see me—so that Henry might experience some part of the anguish I now feel.”
“But you will not do so, good Sir Thomas—dear Sir Thomas,” cried Anne Boleyn, in alarm.
“Have no fear,” rejoined Wyat, with some contempt; “I will sacrifice even vengeance to love.”
“Sir Thomas, I had tolerated this too long,” said Anne. “Begone—you terrify me.”