CHAPTER II.
SHOWING THE TROUBLES OF VIVIANA.
On coming to herself, Viviana inquired for Garnet; and being told thathe was in his chamber alone, she repaired thither, and found him pacingto and fro in the greatest perturbation.
"If you come to me for consolation, daughter," he said, "you come to onewho cannot offer it. I am completely prostrated in spirit by thedisastrous issue of our enterprise; and though I tried to prepare myselffor what has taken place, I now find myself utterly unable to cope withit."
_Guy Fawkes subscribing his Examination after thetorture_]
"If such is your condition, father," replied Viviana, "what must bethat of my husband, upon whose devoted head all the weight of thisdreadful calamity now falls? You are still at liberty--still able tosave yourself--still able, at least, to resist unto the death, if youare so minded. But he is a captive in the Tower, exposed to everytorment that human ingenuity can invent, and with nothing but theprospect of a lingering death before his eyes. What is your condition,compared with his?"
"Happy--most happy, daughter," replied Garnet, "and I have been selfishand unreasonable. I have, given way to the weakness of humanity, and Ithank you from the bottom of my heart for enabling me to shake it off."
"You have indulged false hopes, father," said Viviana, "whereas I haveindulged none, or rather, all has come to pass as I desired. Thedreadful crime with which I feared my husband's soul would have beenloaded is now uncommitted, and I have firm hope of his salvation. If Imight counsel you, I would advise you to surrender yourself to justice,and by pouring out your blood on the scaffold, wash out your offence.Such will be my own course. I have been involuntarily led into connexionwith this plot; and though I have ever disapproved of it, since I havenot revealed it I am as guilty as if I had been its contriver. I shallnot shun my punishment. Fate has dealt hardly with me, and my path onearth has been strewn with thorns, and cast in grief and trouble. But Ihumbly trust that my portion hereafter will be with the blessed."
"I cannot doubt it, daughter," replied Garnet; "and though I do not viewour design in the light that you do, but regard it as justifiable, ifnot necessary, yet, with your feelings, I cannot sufficiently admireyour conduct. Your devotion and self-sacrifice is wholly withoutparallel. At the same time, I would try to dissuade you fromsurrendering yourself to our relentless enemies. Believe me, it will addthe severest pang to your husband's torture to know that you are intheir power. His nature is stern and unyielding, and, persuaded as he isof the justice of his cause, he will die happy in that conviction,certain that his name, though despised by our heretical persecutors,will be held in reverence by all true professors of our faith. No,daughter, fly and conceal yourself till pursuit is relinquished, andpass the rest of your life in prayer for the repose of your husband'ssoul."
"I will pass it in endeavouring to bring him to repentance," repliedViviana. "The sole boon I shall seek from my judges will be permissionto attempt this."
"It will be refused, daughter," replied Garnet, "and you will onlydestroy yourself, not aid him. Rest satisfied that the Great Power whojudges the hearts of men, and implants certain impulses within them, forhis own wise but inscrutable purposes, well knows that Guy Fawkes,however culpable his conduct may appear in your eyes, acted according tothe dictates of his conscience, and in the full confidence that thedesign would restore the true worship of God in this kingdom. Thefailure of the enterprise proves that he was mistaken--that we were allmistaken,--and that Heaven was unfavourable to the means adopted,--butit does not prove his insincerity."
"These arguments have no weight with me, father," replied Viviana; "Iwill leave nothing undone to save his soul, and whatever may be theresult, I will surrender myself to justice."
"I shall not seek to move you from your purpose, daughter," repliedGarnet, "and can only lament it. Before, however, you finally decide,let us pray together for directions from on high."
Thus exhorted, Viviana knelt down with the priest before a small silverimage of the Virgin, which stood in a niche in the wall, and they bothprayed long and earnestly. Garnet was the first to conclude hisdevotions; and as he gazed at the upturned countenance and streamingeyes of his companion, his heart was filled with admiration and pity.
At this juncture the door opened, and Catesby and Sir Everard Digbyentered. On hearing them, Viviana immediately arose.
"The urgency of our business must plead an excuse for the interruption,if any is needed," said Catesby; "but do not retire, madam. We have nosecrets from you now. Sir Everard and I have fully completed ourpreparations," he added, to Garnet. "Our men are all armed and mountedin the court, and are in high spirits for the enterprise. As theservice, however, will be one of the greatest danger and difficulty, youhad better seek a safe asylum, father, till the first decisive blow isstruck."
"I would go with you, my son," rejoined Garnet, "if I did not think mypresence might be an hinderance. I can only aid you with my prayers, andthose can be more efficaciously uttered in some secure retreat, thanduring a rapid march or dangerous encounter."
"You had better retire to Coughton with Lady Digby and Viviana," saidSir Everard. "I have provided a sufficient escort to guard youthither,--and, as you are aware, there are many hiding-places in thehouse, where you can remain undiscovered in case of search."
"I place myself at your disposal," replied Garnet. "But Viviana isresolved to surrender herself."
"This must not be," returned Catesby. "Such an act at this juncturewould be madness, and would materially injure our cause. Whatever yourinclinations may prompt, you must consent to remain in safety, madam."
"I have acquiesced in your proceedings thus far," replied Viviana,"because I could not oppose them without injury to those dear to me. ButI will take no further share in them. My mind is made up as to thecourse I shall pursue."
"Since you are bent upon your own destruction,--for it is nothingless,--it is the duty of your friends to save you," rejoined Catesby."You shall not do what you propose, and when you are yourself again, andhave recovered from the shock your feelings have sustained, you willthank me for my interference."
"You are right, Catesby," observed Sir Everard; "it would be worse thaninsanity to allow her to destroy herself thus."
"I am glad you are of this opinion," said Garnet. "I tried to reason herout of her design, but without avail."
"Catesby," cried Viviana, throwing herself at his feet, "by the love youonce professed for me,--by the friendship you entertained for him whounhesitatingly offered himself for you, and your cause, I implore younot to oppose me now!"
"I shall best serve you, and most act in accordance with the wishes ofmy friend, by doing so," replied Catesby. "Therefore, you plead invain."
"Alas!" cried Viviana. "My purposes are ever thwarted. You will have toanswer for my life."
"I should, indeed, have it to answer for, if I permitted you to act asyou desire," rejoined Catesby. "I repeat you will thank me ere many daysare passed."
"Sir Everard," exclaimed Viviana, appealing to the knight, "I entreatyou to have pity upon me."
"I do sincerely sympathise with your distress," replied Digby, in a toneof the deepest commiseration; "but I am sure what Catesby advises is forthe best. I could not reconcile it to my conscience to allow you tosacrifice yourself thus. Be governed by prudence."
"Oh no----no!" cried Viviana, distractedly. "I will not be stayed. Icommand you not to detain me."
"Viviana," said Catesby, taking her arm, "this is no season for thedisplay of silly weakness either on our part or yours. If you cannotcontrol yourself, you must be controlled. Father Garnet, I intrust herto your care. Two of my troop shall attend you, together with your ownservant, Nicholas Owen. You shall have stout horses, able to accomplishthe journey with the greatest expedition, and I should wish you toconvey her to her own mansion, Ordsall Hall, and to remain there withher till you hear tidings of us."
"It shall be as you direct, my son," said Garnet. "I am prepared to s
etout at once."
"That is well," replied Catesby.
"You will not do me this violence, sir," cried Viviana. "I appealagainst it, to you, Sir Everard."
"I cannot help you, madam," replied the knight, "indeed, I cannot."
"Then Heaven, I trust, will help me," cried Viviana, "for I am whollyabandoned of man."
"I beseech you, madam, put some constraint upon yourself," said Catesby."If, after your arrival at Ordsall, you are still bent upon your rashand fatal design, Father Garnet shall not oppose its execution. But giveyourself time for reflection."
"Since it may not be otherwise, I assent," replied Viviana. "If I mustgo, I will start at once."
"Wisely resolved," replied Sir Everard.
Viviana then retired, and soon afterwards appeared equipped for herjourney. The two attendants and Nicholas Owen were in the court-yard,and Catesby assisted her into the saddle.
"Do not lose sight of her," he said to Garnet, as the latter mounted.
"Rest assured I will not," replied the other.
And taking the direction of Coventry, the party rode off at a briskpace.
Catesby then joined the other conspirators, while Sir Everard sent offLady Digby and his household, attended by a strong escort, to Coughton.This done, the whole party repaired to the court-yard, where they calledover the muster-roll of their men, to ascertain that none weremissing,--examined their arms and ammunition,--and finding all in order,sprang to their steeds, and putting themselves at the head of the band,rode towards Southam and Warwick.