“I am loth to interrupt the discussion,” returned Garnet, “but I think we have tarried here long enough. We will meet again at midnight, when I hope to introduce Sir William Radcliffe to you as a confederate.”
The party then separated, and Garnet went in search of the knight.
Ascertaining that he was in his own chamber, he proceeded thither, and found him alone. Entering at once upon the subject in hand, Garnet pleaded his cause with so much zeal that he at last wrung a reluctant consent from the listener. Scarcely able to conceal his exultation, he then proposed to Sir William to adjourn with him to the private chapel in the house, where, having taken the oath, and received the sacrament upon it, he should forthwith be introduced to the conspirators, and the whole particulars of the plot revealed to him. To this the knight, with some hesitation, agreed. As they traversed a gallery leading to the chapel, they met Viviana. For the first time in his life Radcliffe's gaze sank before his daughter, and he would have passed her without speaking had she not stopped him.
“Father! dear father!” she cried, “I know whither you are going—and for what purpose. Do not—do not join them.”
Guy Fawkes preventing Sir William Radcliffe from joining the Conspiracy.
Sir William Radcliffe made no reply, but endeavoured gently to push her aside.
She would not, however, be repulsed, but prostrating herself before him, clasped his knees, and besought him not to proceed.
Making a significant gesture to Sir William, Garnet walked forward.
“Viviana,” cried the knight, sternly, “my resolution is taken. I command you to retire to your chamber.”