But he was prevented from further remark by Anne Boleyn, who,
perceiving how his attention was attracted, suddenly interposed.

"Your majesty spoke of the chase," she said impatiently. But perhaps
you have found other pastime more diverting?"

"Not so--not so, sweetheart," he replied hastily.

"There is a hart royal in the haye," said Gabriel Lapp. "Is it your
majesty's pleasure that I set him free?

"It is, good fellow--it is," replied the king.

And as Gabriel hastened to the netted fencework, and prepared to drive
forth the hart, Henry assisted Anne Boleyn, who could not help
exhibiting some slight jealous pique, to mount her steed, and having
sprung into his own saddle, they waited the liberation of the buck,
which was accomplished in a somewhat unexpected manner.

Separated from the rest of the herd, the noble animal made a sudden
dart towards Gabriel, and upsetting him in his wild career, darted past
the king, and made towards the upper part of the forest. In another
instant the hounds were un coupled and at his heels, while Henry and
Anne urged their steeds after him, the king shouting at the top of his
lusty voice. The rest of the royal party followed as they might, and the
woods resounded with their joyous cries.

The hart royal proved himself worthy of his designation. Dashing
forward with extraordinary swiftness, he rapidly gained upon his
pursuers--for though Henry, by putting his courser to his utmost speed,