CHAPTER VII.
VIVIANA'S LAST NIGHT AT ORDSALL HALL.
On the evening of the third day after quitting Dunchurch, VivianaRadcliffe and her companions arrived at Ordsall Hall. They hadencountered many dangers and difficulties on the journey, and werewell-nigh overcome with fatigue and anxiety. Fearful of being detained,Garnet had avoided all the larger towns in the way, and had consequentlybeen driven greatly out of the direct course. He had assumed thedisguise which he usually wore when travelling, that of a lawyer, and ashe possessed great mimetic talent, he sustained the character admirably.Viviana passed for his daughter, and his servant, Nicholas Owen, who wasalmost as clever an actor as his master, represented his clerk, whilethe two attendants performed the parts of clients. At Abbots'-Bromley,where they halted for refreshment on the second day, having spent thenight at a small village near Lichfield, they were detained by thelandlord, who entertained some suspicions of them; but Garnet succeededin frightening the man into allowing them to depart. They underwentanother alarm of the same kind at Leek, and were for two hours lockedup. But on the arrival of a magistrate, who had been sent for by thehost, Garnet gave so plausible an account of himself that the party wereinstantly set at liberty, and arrived without further molestation attheir journey's end.
Viviana's last visit to the hall had been sad enough, but it was not sosad as the present. It was a dull November evening, and the wind moaneddismally through the trees, scattering the yellow leaves on the ground.The house looked forlorn and desolate. No smoke issued from thechimneys, nor was there any external indication that it was inhabited.The drawbridge was down, and as they passed over it, the hollowtrampling of their steeds upon the planks vibrated painfully uponViviana's heart. Before dismounting, she cast a wistful look around, andsurveyed the grass-grown and neglected court, where, in years gone by,she had sported; the moat on whose brink she had lingered; and thesurrounding woods, which she had never looked upon, even on a dreary daylike the present, and when they were robbed in some measure of theirbeauty, without delight. Scanning the deserted mansion from roof tofoundation, she traced all its gables, angles, windows, doors, andwalls, and claimed every piece of carved work, every stone as a familiarobject, and as associated with other and happier hours.
"It is but the wreck of what it was," she thought. "The spirit thatanimated it is fled. Grass grows in its courts--no cheerful voices echoin its chambers--no hospitality is maintained in its hall--but neglect,gloom, and despair claim it as their own. The habitation and itsmistress are well matched."
Guessing from the melancholy expression of her countenance what waspassing within, and thinking it advisable to turn the current of herthoughts, Garnet assisted her to alight, and committing the care oftheir steeds to Owen and the others, proceeded with her to the principalentrance. Everything appeared in nearly the same state as when they hadlast seen it, and the only change that had taken place was for theworse. The ceilings were mapped and mildewed with damps; theonce-gorgeously stained glass was shivered in the windows; the costlyarras hung in tattered fragments from the walls; while the floors, whichwere still strewn with plaster and broken furniture, were flooded withthe moisture that had found its way through the holes in the roof.
"Bear up, dear daughter," said Garnet, observing that Viviana wasgreatly distressed by the sight, "and let the contemplation of thisscene of havoc, instead of casting you down, inspire you with justindignation against enemies from whom it is vain to expect justice ormercy. How many Catholic mansions have been thus laid waste! How manyhigh-born and honourable men, whose sole fault was their adherence tothe religion of their fathers, and their refusal to subscribe todoctrines against which their consciences revolted, have been put todeath like your father; nay, have endured a worse fate, for they havelanguished out their lives in prison, while their families and retainershave undergone every species of outrage! How many a descendant of aproud line, distinguished for worth, for loyalty, and for devotion, hasstood, as you now stand, upon his desolate hearth--has seen misery andruin usurp the place of comfort and happiness--and has heard the verystones beneath his feet cry out for vengeance. Accursed be ouroppressors!" he added, lifting up his hands, and elevating his voice."May their churches be thrown down--their faith crushed--their rightsinvaded--their children delivered to bondage--their hearths laid waste,as ours have been. May this, and worse come to pass, till the wholestock of heresy is uprooted!"
"Hold, father!" exclaimed Viviana, "even here, beholding this miserablesight, and with feelings keenly excited, I cannot join in your terribledenunciation. What I hope for--what I pray for, is toleration, notvengeance. The sufferings of our brethren will not have been in vain, ifthey enable our successors to worship God in their own way, andaccording to the dictates of their consciences. The ruthless conduct ofour persecutors must be held in as much abhorrence by all goodProtestants as our persecution of that sect, when we were in theascendant, is regarded by all worthy members of our own Church. I cannotbelieve that by persecution we can work out the charitable preceptsinculcated by our Saviour, and I am sure such a course is as adverse tothe spirit of religion as it is to that of humanity. Let us bear oursorrows with patience,--let us utter no repinings, but turn the othercheek to the smiter, and we shall find, in due time, that the hearts ofour oppressors will relent, and that all the believers in the True Godwill be enabled to worship him in peace, though at different altars."
"Such a season will never arrive, daughter," replied Garnet, severely,"till heresy is extirpated, and the false doctrines now prevailingutterly abolished. Then, indeed, when the Church of Rome isre-established, and the old and true religion restored, universal peacewill prevail. And let me correct the grievous and sinful error intowhich you have fallen. Our church is always at war with heresy; and ifit cannot uproot it by gentle means, authorizes, nay enjoins theemployment of force."
"I will not attempt to dispute with you upon points of faith, father,"returned Viviana; "I am content to think and act according to my ownfeelings and convictions. But I will not give up the hope that in somemilder and wiser age, persecution on either side will cease, and thesufferings of its victims be remembered only to soften the hearts offanatics, of whatever creed, towards each other. Were a lesson wantingto ourselves, surely it might be found in the result that has attendedyour dark and criminal enterprise, and in which the disapproval ofHeaven has been signally manifested."
"Not so, daughter," replied Garnet. "An action is not to be judged orjustified by the event attending it, but by its own intrinsic merits. Toaver the contrary were to throw a doubt upon the Holy Scripturesthemselves, where we read in the Book of Judges that the eleven tribesof Israel were commanded to make war upon the tribe of Benjamin, and yetwere twice defeated. We have failed. But this proves nothing against ourproject, which I maintain to be righteous and praiseworthy, undertakento overthrow an heretical and excommunicated monarch, and tore-establish the true faith of the Most High throughout this land."
"I lament to find that you still persist in error, father," repliedViviana; "but you cannot by any sophistry induce me to coincide with youin opinion. I hold the attempt an offence alike against God and man, andwhile I rejoice at the issue that has attended it, I deplore theirreparable harm it will do to the whole body of Catholics, all of whomwill be connected, by the bigoted and unthinking of the hostile party,with the atrocious design. Not only have you done our cause an injury,but you have in a measure justified our opponents' severity, and giventhem a plea for further persecution."
"No more of this, daughter," rejoined Garnet, impatiently, "or I shalldeem it necessary to reprove you. Let us search the house, and try tofind some habitable chamber in which you can pass the night."
After a long search, they discovered a room in comparatively good order,and leaving Viviana within it, Garnet descended to the lower part of thehouse, where he found Nicholas Owen, and the two other attendants.
"We have chanced upon a scanty supply of provender for our steeds,"remarked Owen, w
ith a doleful look; "but we are not likely to obtain ameal ourselves, unless we can feed upon rats and mice, which appear tobe the sole tenants of this miserable dwelling."
"You must go to Manchester instantly, and procure provisions," returnedGarnet. "But take heed you observe the utmost caution."
"Fear nothing," replied Owen, "If I am taken, your reverence will loseyour supper--that is all."
He then set out upon his errand, and Garnet proceeded to the kitchen,where, to his great surprise, he found the hearthstone still warm, and afew lighted embers upon it, while crumbs of bread, and little fragmentsof meat scattered about, proved that some one had taken a meal there.Startled by this discovery, he continued his search, but as fruitlesslyas before; and though he called to any one who might be hidden to comeforth, the summons was unanswered. One of the attendants had placed afew sticks upon the smouldering ashes, and on returning to the kitchen,it was found that they had kindled. A fire being thus obtained, some ofthe broken furniture was used to replenish it, and by Garnet's commandsanother fire was speedily lighted in Viviana's chamber. Night had nowcome on, and Owen not returning, Garnet became extremely uneasy, and hadalmost given him up, when the absentee made his appearance, with a largebasket of provisions under his arm.
"I have had some difficulty in obtaining them," he said; "and fancying Iobserved two persons following me, was obliged to take a circuitousroute to get back. The whole town is in commotion about the plot, and itis said that the most rigorous measures are to be adopted towards allthe Catholic families in the neighbourhood."
Sighing at the latter piece of intelligence, Garnet selected suchprovisions as he thought would be acceptable to Viviana, and took themupstairs to her. She ate a little bread, and drank a cup of water, butrefused to taste anything else, and finding it in vain to press her,Garnet returned to the kitchen, where, being much exhausted, herecruited himself with a hearty meal and a cup of wine.
Left alone, Viviana knelt down, and clasping a small crucifix to herbreast, prayed long and fervently. While she was thus engaged, she heardthe door open gently behind her, and turning her head, beheld an oldman clothed in a tattered garb, with long white hair flowing over hisshoulders, and a beard of the same snowy hue descending upon his breast.As he advanced slowly towards her, she started to her feet, and abrighter flame arising at the moment from the fire, it illumined theintruder's wobegone features.
"Is it possible!" she exclaimed,--"can it be my father's old steward,Jerome Heydocke?"
"It is, indeed, my dear young mistress," replied the old man, falling onhis knee before her. "Heaven be praised!" he continued, seizing herhand, and bedewing it with tears; "I have seen you once again, and shalldie content."
"I never expected to behold you more, good Heydocke," returned Viviana,raising him. "I heard you had died in prison."
"It was so given out by the jailers, to account for my escape," repliedthe old steward; "and I took care never to contradict the report bymaking my appearance. I will not distress you by the recital of all Ihave endured, but will simply state that I was confined in the prisonupon Hunt's Bank, whence I escaped in the night by dropping upon therocks, and from them into the river, where it was supposed I wasdrowned. Making my way into the country, I concealed myself for a timein barns and out-buildings, until, at length, I ventured back to the oldhouse, and have dwelt in it unmolested ever since. I should haveperished of want long ago, but for the kindness of Mr. Humphrey Chetham.He used to send my son regularly to me with provisions; and, now thatMartin is gone to London, on business, as I understood, relating to you,he brings them to me himself. He will be here to-morrow."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Viviana. "I must see him."
"As you please," returned the old man. "I suppose those are yourcompanions below. I was in my hiding-place, and hearing voices andfootsteps, did not dare to venture forth till all was still. Onapproaching this room, which I have been in the habit of occupyinglately, and peeping through the door, which was standing ajar, Iperceived a female figure, and thinking it must be you, though Iscarcely dared to trust the evidence of my senses, I ventured in. Oh! mydear, dear young mistress, what a joy it is to see you again! I fear youmust have suffered much, for you are greatly altered."
At this moment, Garnet entered the room. He started on seeing the oldsteward. But an explanation was instantly given him.
"You, then, are the person by whom the fire was recently lighted in thekitchen?" he asked.
Heydocke replied in the affirmative.
"I came to bid you farewell for the night, dear daughter," said Garnet,"and to assure you that you may rest without fear, for we have contrivedto make fast the doors. Come with me, my son," he added to the steward,"and you shall have a comfortable meal below."
Making a profound reverence to Viviana, the old man followed him downstairs.
Viviana continued to pace to and fro within her chamber for some time,and then, overcome with fatigue, flung herself upon the bedstead, onwhich a cloak had been thrown. Sleep soon closed her eyes, but it wasdisturbed by frightful and distressing dreams, from which she wassuddenly aroused by a touch upon the arm. Starting up, she perceived theold steward by the side of her couch, with a light in his hand.
"What brings you here, Heydocke?" she demanded, with surprise and alarm.
"You have slept soundly, my dear young mistress, or you would notrequire to be informed," replied the steward. "There! do you not hearit?" he added, as a loud knocking resounded from below.
Viviana listened for a moment, and then as if struck by a sudden idea,hurried down stairs. She found Garnet and the others assembled in thehall, but wholly unnerved by fright. "Hide yourselves," she said, "andno ill shall befal you. Quick!--not a moment is to be lost!"
Having allowed them sufficient time for concealment, she demanded in aloud voice who was without?
"Friends," was the reply.
"It is the voice of Doctor Dee," replied Heydocke.
"Indeed!" exclaimed Viviana. "Admit him instantly."
Heydocke obeyed, and throwing open the door, gave entrance to theDoctor, who was wrapped in his long furred gown, and carried a lantern.He was accompanied by Kelley and Humphrey Chetham.
"Your visit is singularly timed, Mr. Chetham," said Viviana, after shehad saluted the party; "but you are not the less welcome on thataccount. I much desired to see you, and indeed should have sent for youto-morrow. But how did you know I was here?"
"The only explanation I can offer you is this," replied Chetham. "I washastily summoned from my residence at Crumpsall by Kelley, who told meyou were at Ordsall Hall, and that Doctor Dee was about to visit you,and desired my company. Thus summoned, I came at once."
"A strange explanation indeed!" replied Viviana.
"Close and fasten the door," said Dee, in an authoritative tone toKelley, and as soon as his commands were obeyed, he took Viviana's hand,and led her to the farther end of the hall.
"My art informed me of your arrival, Viviana," he said. "I am come tosave you. You are in imminent danger."
"I well know it," she replied; "but I have no wish to fly from justice.I am weary of my life, and would gladly resign it."
"I would call to your recollection, Viviana," pursued Dee, "that Iforetold the disastrous result of this plot, in which you have becomeunhappily involved, to Guy Fawkes, and warned him not to proceed in it.But he would not be advised, and is now a prisoner in the Tower."
"All I wish is to go thither, and die with him," rejoined Viviana.
"If you go thither, you will die before him," said Dee.
"I would do so," she replied.
"Viviana Radcliffe," returned Dee, in a compassionate tone, "I trulygrieve for you. Your attachment to this heinous traitor completelyblinds you. The friendship I entertained for your mother makes meanxious to serve you--to see you happy. It is now in your power to beso. But if you take another false step, your fate is decided, and youwill die an early death. I will answer for your safety--nay, what ismore, I will undert
ake that ere long you shall again be mistress of thismansion, and have your estates restored to you."
"You promise fairly, sir," she replied, with a mournful smile.
"I have not yet done," pursued Dee. "All I require for the service is,that when freed by the death of Guy Fawkes from the chain that now bindsyou,--for I am aware of your ill-starred union with him,--you shallbestow your hand upon Humphrey Chetham."
"It may not be," replied Viviana, firmly. "And if you could in truthread the secrets of the heart, you would know that mine would instantlyreject the proposal."
"Think not it originates with me, Viviana," said Humphrey Chetham, whohad approached them unobserved. "My previous experience of yourcharacter would alone have prevented me from becoming a party to anysuch proposal, had I known it would be made. Do not, I beseech you,sir," he added to Dee, "clog your offer with conditions which willeffectually prevent its accomplishment."
"You are true to yourself, Mr. Chetham," rejoined Viviana, "and willnot, therefore, wonder that I continue so. Were I to assent to DoctorDee's proposal, I should be further from happiness than I am now, evenif he could make good his words, and restore me to the station I haveforfeited. I have received a shock from which I shall never recover, andthe only haven of repose to which I look forward is the grave."
"Alas!" exclaimed Chetham, in a pitying tone.
"You will think I trespass too much upon your kindness," she pursued;"but you can render me a great service, and it will be the last I shallever require from you."
"Name it!" cried Chetham, eagerly.
"I would beg you to escort me to London," she rejoined: "and to deliverme to the lords of the council. I would willingly escape the indignitiesto which T shall be exposed if I am conveyed thither as a prisoner. Willyou do this?"
"I will," replied Chetham.
"Lest you should think I have offered more than I can perform, Viviana,"said Dee, who had listened attentively to the foregoing conversation, "Iwill now tell you on what grounds I build my expectation of procuringyour pardon. The conspiracy was first revealed by me to the Earl ofSalisbury, though for his own purposes he kept it secret to the last. Heowes me a heavy debt, and shall pay it in the way I propose, if youdesire it."
"I will abide by what I have done," replied Viviana.
"You know, then, what fate awaits you?" said Dee.
"I shall not shrink from it," she rejoined.
"It is well," he replied. "Before I leave, I will give you anothercaution. Father Garnet is here. Nay, attempt not to deny it. You cannotdeceive me. Besides, I desire to serve, not harm him. If he remains heretill to-morrow, he will be captured. A proclamation has been issued forhis arrest, as well as for that of Father Oldcorne. Deliver him thiswarning. And now, farewell!"
With this, he took up his lantern, and followed by Kelley, quitted thehall.
Humphrey Chetham only tarried a few moments to inform Viviana that hewould return soon after daybreak with a couple of steeds for thejourney. As soon as he was gone, Viviana communicated Dee's warning toGarnet, who was so alarmed by it, that he resolved not to delay his owndeparture a moment. Taking an affectionate leave of Viviana, andconfiding her to the care of the old steward, he set out with his threeattendants.
Faithful to his promise, Humphrey Chetham appeared at the appointedtime. Viviana bade an eternal farewell to the old steward, who wasoverwhelmed with grief, and looked as if his sorrows would soon beended, and mounting one of the steeds brought by the young merchant,they took the direction of London.