de toutes des dames les plus sucrees de la court; mais nulle n'avoit sa
grace, laquelle, au dire d'un ancien, passe venuste'." Such was the
opinion of one who knew her well during her residence at the French
court, when in attendance on Mary of England, consort of Louis XII.,
and afterwards Duchess of Suffolk.

At this moment Anne's eyes were fixed with some tenderness upon one
of the supporters of her canopy on the right--a very handsome young
man, attired in a doublet and hose of black tylsent, paned and cut, and
whose tall, well-proportioned figure was seen to the greatest
advantage, inasmuch as he had divested himself of his mantle, for his
better convenience in walking.

"I fear me you will fatigue yourself, Sir Thomas Wyat," said Anne Boleyn,
in tones of musical sweetness, which made the heart beat and the
colour mount to the cheeks of him she addressed. "You had better
allow Sir Thomas Arundel or Sir John Hulstone to relieve you."

"I can feel no fatigue when near you, madam," replied Wyat, in a low
tone.

A slight blush overspread Anne's features, and she raised her
embroidered kerchief to her lips.

"If I had that kerchief I would wear it at the next lists, and defy all
comers," said Wyat.

"You shall have it, then," rejoined Anne. "I love all chivalrous exploits,
and will do my best to encourage them."