Page:History of fair Rosamond (1).pdf/21

21 —It was a dreadful moment for both. The anger that was on his brow, as he entered, faded, and shame wrote her blushes there. Indignation for an instant glowed in the face of Rosamond; but it fled, and the reproach of a pallid brow was all that greeted Henry. They gazed on one another. The gentle heart of Rosamond relented; she read her lover's anguish in his glance; and, throwing herself upon his neck, in one gush of tears spoke her forgiveness.

The King passed his hours with Rosamond, and his frequent and long absences at length aroused the jealousy of the Queen. There were not wanting those about the court who were glad to foment dissensions; rumour followed rumour: scandal, who builds upon a breath; framed tales that reached the royal ear, and Henry's quiet was now invaded by the reiterated upbraidings of his consort; she, who, from her violence, had attained the title of the She-wolf of France, was not of a nature to brook the royal neglect with patience or humility.

Alarmed for the safety of Rosamond, for Eleanor threatened her life, Henry resolved to remove her to a distance; and the Palace of Woodstock offered a safe