“I deserve your reproaches,” she rejoined, in confusion.
“Had I not fortunately intercepted him,” pursued Fawkes, “an hour would not have elapsed ere he would have returned with the officers; and we should have changed this dwelling for a dungeon in the Tower,—these benches for the rack.”
“In pity stab me!” cried Viviana, falling at his feet. “But oh! do not wound me with your words. I have committed a grievous wrong; but I was ignorant of the consequences; and, as I hope for mercy hereafter, my sole motive, beyond compassion for this wretched man, was to terrify you into relinquishing your dreadful project.”
“You have acted wrongfully,—very wrongfully, Viviana,” interposed Garnet: “but since you are fully convinced of your error, no more need be said. There are seasons when the heart must be closed against compassion, and when mercy becomes injustice. Go to your chamber, and leave us to deal with this unhappy man.”
“To-morrow you must quit us,” observed Fawkes, as she passed him.
“Quit you!” she exclaimed. “I will never offend again.”
“I will not trust you,” replied Fawkes, “unless—but it is useless to impose restrictions upon you, which you will not—perhaps, cannot observe.”
“Impose any restrictions you please,” replied Viviana. “But do not bid me leave you.”
“The time is come when we must separate,” rejoined Fawkes. “See you not that the course we are taking is slippery with blood, and beset with perils which the firmest of your sex could not encounter?”
“I will encounter them nevertheless,” replied Viviana. “Be merciful," she added, pointing to Tresham, “and mercy shall be shown you in your hour of need.” And she slowly withdrew.