somewhat soothed his troubled spirit. But they died away; and as the
jester came not, Richmond grew impatient, and began to fear he had
been duped by his informant. At length the service concluded, and,
losing all patience, he was about to depart, when the jester peered
round the lower angle of the tomb-house, and beckoned to him.
Obeying the summons, the duke followed his conductor down the
arched passage leading to the cloisters.

"Tread softly, gossip, or you will alarm them," said Sommers, in a low
tone.

They turned the corner of the cloisters; and there, near the entrance of
the chapel, stood the youthful pair--the Fair Geraldine half reclining
upon the earl's breast, while his arm encircled her slender waist.

"There!" whispered the jester, chuckling maliciously "there! did I speak
falsely--eh, gossip?

Richmond laid his hand upon his sword.

"Hist!" said the jester; "hear what the Fair Geraldine has to say."

"We must meet no more thus, Surrey," she murmured:

"I feel I was wrong in granting the interview, but I could not help it. If,
when a few more years have flown over your head, your heart remains
unchanged

"It will never change!" interrupted Surrey. "I here solemnly pledge my
troth to you."