“Save me!” echoed Fawkes, bitterly. “You destroy me.”
“How?” she asked.
“Because I am sworn to this project,” he rejoined; “and if I were turned from it, I would perish by my own hand.”
“Oh! say not so,” replied Viviana, “but listen to me. Abandon it, and I will devote myself to you.”
Guy Fawkes gazed at her for a moment passionately, and then, covering his face with his hands, appeared torn by conflicting emotions.
Viviana approached him, and pressing his arm, asked in an entreating voice, “Are you still determined to pursue your dreadful project?”
“I am,” replied Fawkes, uncovering his face, and gazing at her; “but, if I remain here a moment longer, I shall not be able to do so.”
“I will detain you, then,” she rejoined, “and exercise the power I possess over you for your benefit.”
“No!” he replied, vehemently. “It must not be. Farewell, for ever!”
And breaking from her, he rushed out of the room.