“Mr. Catesby has heard of it, I know,” replied Viviana. “But you do not apprehend any danger from him?”
“He is Chetham's mortal foe,” rejoined Dee, “and will slay him, if he finds an opportunity.”
“You alarm me,” she cried. “I will speak to Mr. Catesby on the subject, and entreat him, as he values my regard, to offer no molestation to his fancied rival.”
“Fancied rival!” echoed Dee, raising his brows contemptuously. “Do you seek to persuade me that you do not love Humphrey Chetham?”
“Assuredly not,” replied Viviana. “I freely acknowledge my attachment to him. It is as strong as my aversion to Mr. Catesby. But the latter is aware that the suit of his rival is as hopeless as his own.”
“Explain yourself, I pray you?” said Dee.
“My destiny is the cloister,—and this he well knows,” she rejoined. “As soon as my worldly affairs can be arranged, I shall retire to the English nunnery at Brussels, where I shall vow myself to Heaven.”
“Such is your present intention,” replied Dee. “But you will never quit your own country.”
“What shall hinder me?” asked Viviana, uneasily.
“Many things,” returned Dee. “Amongst others, this meeting with your lover.”