CHAPTER X.
WHITE WEBBS.
Tarrying for a short time within the house after the departure of theothers, Guy Fawkes lighted a lantern, and concealing it beneath hiscloak, proceeded to the cellar, to ascertain that the magazine of powderwas safe. Satisfied of this, he made all secure, and was about to returnto the house, when he perceived a figure approaching him. Standingaside, but keeping on his guard for fear of a surprise, he would haveallowed the person to pass, but the other halted, and after a moment'sscrutiny addressed him by name in the tones of Humphrey Chetham.
"You seem to haunt this spot, young sir," said Fawkes, in answer to theaddress. "This is the third time we have met hereabouts."
"On the last occasion," replied Chetham, "I told you Viviana was aprisoner in the Tower. I have now better news for you. She is free."
"Free!" exclaimed Fawkes, joyfully. "By Lord Mounteagle'sinstrumentality?--But I forget. He has only just left me."
"She has been freed by _my_ instrumentality," replied the youngmerchant. "She escaped from the Tower a few hours ago."
"Where is she?" demanded Guy Fawkes, eagerly.
"In a boat at the stairs near the Parliament House," replied Chetham.
"Heaven and Our Lady be praised!" exclaimed Fawkes. "This is more than Ihoped for. Your news is so good, young sir, that I can scarce creditit."
"Come with me to the boat, and you shall soon be satisfied of the truthof my statement," rejoined Chetham.
And followed by Guy Fawkes, he hurried to the river side, where a wherrywas moored. Within it sat Viviana, covered by the tilt.
Assisting her to land, and finding she was too much exhausted to walk,Guy Fawkes took her in his arms, and carried her to the house he hadjust quitted.
Humphrey Chetham followed as soon as he had dismissed the waterman.Placing his lovely burthen in a seat, Guy Fawkes instantly went insearch of such restoratives as the place afforded. Viviana was extremelyfaint, but after she had swallowed a glass of wine, she revived, and,looking around her, inquired where she was.
"Do not ask," replied Fawkes; "let it suffice you are in safety. Andnow," he added, "perhaps, Humphrey Chetham will inform me in what mannerhe contrived your escape. I am impatient to know."
The young merchant then gave the required information, and Viviana addedsuch particulars as were necessary to the full understanding of thestory. Guy Fawkes could scarcely control himself when she related thetortures she had endured, nor was Chetham less indignant.
"You rescued me just in time," said Viviana. "I should have sunk underthe next application."
"Thank Heaven! you have escaped it," exclaimed Fawkes. "You owe much toHumphrey Chetham, Viviana."
"I do, indeed," she replied.
"And can you not requite it?" he returned. "Can you not make himhappy?--Can you not make _me_ happy?"
Viviana's pale cheek was instantly suffused with blushes, but she madeno answer.
"Oh, Viviana!" cried Humphrey Chetham, "you hear what is said. If youcould doubt my love before, you must be convinced of it now. A hope willmake me happy. Have I that?"
"Alas! no," she answered. "It would be the height of cruelty, after yourkindness, to deceive you. You have not."
The young merchant turned aside to hide his emotion.
"Not even a hope!" exclaimed Guy Fawkes, "after what he has done.Viviana, I cannot understand you. Does gratitude form no part of yournature?"
"I hope so," she replied, "nay, I am sure so,--for I feel the deepestgratitude towards Humphrey Chetham. But gratitude is not love, and mustnot be mistaken for it."
"I understand the distinction too well," returned the young merchant,sadly.
"It is more than I do," rejoined Guy Fawkes; "and I will frankly confessthat I think the important services Humphrey Chetham has rendered youentitle him to your hand. It is seldom--whatever poets may feign,--thatlove is so strongly proved as his has been; and it ought to beadequately requited."
"Say no more about it, I entreat," interposed Chetham.
"But I will deliver my opinion," rejoined Guy Fawkes, "because I am surewhat I advise is for Viviana's happiness. No one can love her betterthan you. No one is more worthy of her. Nor is there any one to whom Iso much desire to see her united."
"Oh, Heaven!" exclaimed Viviana. "This is worse than the torture."
"What mean you?" exclaimed Fawkes, in astonishment.
"She means," interposed Chetham, "that this is not the fitting season tourge the subject--that she will never marry."
"True--true," replied Viviana. "If I ever did marry--I _ought_ to selectyou."
"You ought," replied Fawkes. "And I know nothing of the female heart, ifit can be insensible to youth, devotion, and manly appearance like thatof Humphrey Chetham."
"You _do_ know nothing of it," rejoined Chetham, bitterly. "Women'sfancies are unaccountable."
"Such is the received opinion," replied Fawkes; "but as I am ignorant ofthe sex, I can only judge from report. You are the person I shouldimagine she would love--nay, to be frank, whom I thought she _did_love."
"No more," said Humphrey Chetham. "It is painful both to Viviana and tome."
"This is not a time for delicacy," rejoined Guy Fawkes. "Viviana hasgiven me the privilege of a father with her. And where her happiness isso much concerned as in the present case, I should imperfectly dischargemy duty if I did not speak out. It would sincerely rejoice me, and I amsure contribute materially to her own happiness, if she would uniteherself to you."
"I cannot--I cannot," she rejoined. "I will never marry."
"You hear what she says," remarked Chetham. "Do not urge the matterfurther."
"I admire maiden delicacy and reserve," replied Fawkes; "but when a manhas acted as you have done, he deserves to be treated with frankness. Iam sure Viviana loves you. Let her tell you so."
"You are mistaken," replied Chetham; "and it is time you should beundeceived. She loves another."
"Is this so?" cried Fawkes, in astonishment.
She made no answer.
"Whom do you love?" he asked.
Still, no answer.
"I will tell you whom she loves--and let her contradict me if I amwrong," said Chetham.
"Oh, no!--no!--in pity spare me!" cried Viviana.
"Speak!"--thundered Fawkes. "Who is it?"
"Yourself," replied Chetham.
"What!" exclaimed Fawkes, recoiling,--"love _me_! I will not believe it.She loves me as a father--but nothing more--nothing more. But you wereright. Let us change the subject. A more fitting season may arrive forits discussion."
After some further conversation, it was agreed that Viviana should betaken to White Webbs; and leaving her in charge of Humphrey Chetham, GuyFawkes went in search of a conveyance to Enfield.
Traversing the Strand,--every hostel in which was closed,--he turned upWych-street, immediately on the right of which there was a large inn(still in existence), and entering the yard, discovered a knot ofcarriers moving about with lanterns in their hands. To his inquiriesrespecting a conveyance to Enfield, one of them answered, that he wasabout to return thither with his waggon at four o'clock,--it was thentwo,--and should be glad to take him and his friends. Overjoyed at theintelligence, and at once agreeing to the man's terms, Guy Fawkeshurried back to his companions, and, with the assistance of HumphreyChetham, contrived to carry Viviana (for she was utterly unable tosupport herself) to the inn-yard, where she was immediately placed inthe waggon, on a heap of fresh straw.
About an hour after this, but long before daybreak, the carrier attachedhis horses to the waggon, and set out. Guy Fawkes and Humphrey Chethamwere seated near Viviana, but little was said during the journey, whichoccupied about three hours. By this time it was broad daylight; and asthe carrier stopped at the door of a small inn, Guy Fawkes alighted, andinquired the distance to White Webbs.
"It is about a mile and a half off," replied the man. "If you pursuethat lane, it will bring you to a small village about half a mile fromthis, wher
e you are sure to find some one who will gladly guide you tothe house, which is a little out of the road, on the borders of theforest."
He then assisted Viviana to alight, and Humphrey Chetham descending atthe same time, the party took the road indicated--a winding country lanewith high hedges, broken by beautiful timber--and proceeding at a slowpace, they arrived in about half an hour at a little cluster ofcottages, which Guy Fawkes guessed to be the village alluded to by thecarrier. As they approached it, a rustic leaped a hedge, and was aboutto cross to another field, when Guy Fawkes calling to him, inquired theway to White Webbs.
"I am going in that direction," replied the man. "If you desire it, Iwill show you the road."
"I shall feel much indebted to you, friend," returned Fawkes, "and willreward you for your trouble."
"I want no reward," returned the countryman, trudging forward.
Following their guide, after a few minutes' brisk walking they reachedthe borders of the forest, and took their way along a patch ofgreensward that skirted it. In some places their track was impeded bygigantic thorns and brushwood, while at others avenues opened upon them,affording them peeps into the heart of the wood. It was a beautifulsylvan scene. And as at length they arrived at the head of a long glade,at the farther end of which a herd of deer were seen, with theirbranching antlers mingling with the overhanging boughs, Viviana couldnot help pausing to admire it.
"King James often hunts within the forest," observed the countryman."Indeed, I heard one of the rangers say it was not unlikely he might behere to-day. He is at Theobald's Palace now."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Fawkes. "Let us proceed. We lose time. Are we farfrom the house?"
"Not above a quarter of a mile," was the answer. "You will see it at thenext turn of the road."
As the countryman had intimated, they speedily perceived the roof andtall chimneys of an ancient house above the trees, and as it was nowimpossible to mistake the road, Guy Fawkes thanked their guide for histrouble, and would have rewarded him, but he refused the gratuity, andleaping a hedge, disappeared.
Pursuing the road, they shortly afterwards arrived at a gate leading tothe house--a large building, erected probably at the beginning ofElizabeth's reign--and entering it, they passed under an avenue oftrees. On approaching the mansion, they observed that many of thewindows were closed, and the whole appearance of the place wasmelancholy and deserted. The garden was overgrown with weeds, and thedoor looked as if it was rarely opened.
Not discouraged by these appearances, but rather satisfied by them ofthe security of the asylum, Guy Fawkes proceeded to the back of thehouse, and entering a court, the flags and stones of which were coveredwith moss, while the interstices were filled with long grass, Guy Fawkesknocked against a small door, and, after repeating the summons, it wasanswered by an old woman-servant, who popped her head out of an upperwindow, and demanded his business.
Guy Fawkes was about to inquire for Mrs. Brooksby, when another head,which proved to be that of Catesby, appeared at the window. On seeingFawkes and his companions, Catesby instantly descended, and unfastenedthe door. The house proved far more comfortable within than its exteriorpromised; and the old female domestic having taken word to Anne Vauxthat Viviana was below, the former lady, who had not yet risen, sent forher to her chamber, and provided everything for her comfort.
Guy Fawkes and Humphrey Chetham, neither of whom had rested during thenight, were glad to obtain a few hours' repose on the floor of the firstroom into which they were shown, and they were not disturbed until theday had considerably advanced, when Catesby thought fit to rouse themfrom their slumbers.
Explanations were then given on both sides. Chetham detailed the mannerof Viviana's escape from the Tower, and Catesby in his turn acquaintedthem that Father Oldcorne was in the house, having found his way thitherafter his escape from the dwelling at Lambeth. Guy Fawkes was greatlyrejoiced at the intelligence, and shortly afterwards had thesatisfaction of meeting with the priest. At noon, the whole partyassembled, with the exception of Viviana, who, by the advice of AnneVaux, kept her chamber, to recruit herself after the sufferings she hadundergone.
Humphrey Chetham, of whom no suspicions were now entertained, and ofwhom Catesby no longer felt any jealousy, was invited to stay in thehouse; and he was easily induced to pass his time near Viviana, althoughhe might not be able to see her. Long and frequent consultations wereheld by the conspirators, and letters were despatched by Catesby to theelder Winter at his seat, Huddington, in Worcestershire, entreating himto make every preparation for the crisis, as well as to Sir EverardDigby, to desire him to assemble as many friends as he could musteragainst the meeting of Parliament, at Dunchurch, in Warwickshire, underthe plea of a grand hunting-party.
Arrangements were next made as to the steps to be taken by the differentparties after the explosion. Catesby undertook, with a sufficient force,to seize the Princess Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of James the First,who was then at the residence of the Earl of Harrington, near Coventry,and to proclaim her queen, in case the others should fail in securingthe princes. It was supposed that Henry, Prince of Wales, (who, it needscarcely be mentioned, died in his youth,) would be present with theKing, his father, in the Parliament House, and would perish with him;and in this case, as Charles, Duke of York, (afterwards Charles theFirst,) would become successor to the throne, it was resolved that heshould be seized by Percy, and instantly proclaimed. Other resolutionswere decided upon, and the whole time of the conspirators was spent inmaturing their projects.
And thus weeks, and even months, stole on. Viviana had completelyregained her strength, and passed a life of perfect seclusion, seldom,if ever, mixing with the others. She, however, took a kindly farewell ofHumphrey Chetham, before his departure for Manchester (for which placehe set out about a fortnight after his arrival at White Webbs, havingfirst sought out his servant, Martin Heydocke); but though stronglyurged by Guy Fawkes, she would hold out no hopes of a change in hersentiments towards the young merchant. Meetings were occasionally heldby the conspirators elsewhere, and Catesby and Fawkes had more than oneinterview with Tresham--but never, except in places where they weresecure from a surprise.
The latter end of September had now arrived, and the meeting ofParliament was still fixed for the third of October. On the last day ofthe month, Guy Fawkes prepared to start for town; but before doing so hedesired to see Viviana. They had not met for some weeks; nor, indeed,since Fawkes had discovered the secret of her heart, (and perhaps of hisown,) had they ever met with the same freedom as heretofore. As sheentered the room, in which he awaited her coming, a tremor agitated hisframe, but he had nerved himself for the interview, and speedily subduedthe feeling.
"I am starting for London, Viviana," he said, in a voice of forcedcalmness. "You may guess for what purpose. But as I may never behold youagain, I would not part with you without a confession of my weakness. Iwill not deny that what Humphrey Chetham stated, and which you havenever contradicted--namely, that you loved me, for I must speak out--hasproduced a strong effect upon me. I have endeavoured to conquer it, butit will return. Till I knew you I never loved, Viviana."
"Indeed!" she exclaimed.
"Never," he replied. "The fairest had not power to move me. But I grieveto say--notwithstanding my struggles--I do not continue equallyinsensible."
"Ah!" she ejaculated, becoming as pale as death.
"Why should I hesitate to declare my feelings? Why should I not tell youthat--though blinded to it so long--I have discovered that I do loveyou? Why should I hesitate to tell you that I regret this, and lamentthat we ever met?"
"What mean you?" cried Viviana, with a terrified look.
"I will tell you," replied Fawkes. "Till I saw you, my thoughts wereremoved from earth, and fixed on one object. Till I saw you, I asked notto live, but to die the death of a martyr."
"Die so still," rejoined Viviana. "Forget me--oh! forget me."
"I cannot," replied Fawkes. "I have striven against it. But your imageis
perpetually before me. Nay, at this very moment, when I am about toset out on the enterprise, you alone detain me."
"I am glad of it," exclaimed Viviana, fervently. "Oh that I couldprevent you--could save you!"
"Save me!" echoed Fawkes, bitterly. "You destroy me."
"How?" she asked.
"Because I am sworn to this project," he rejoined; "and if I were turnedfrom it, I would perish by my own hand."
"Oh! say not so," replied Viviana, "but listen to me. Abandon it, and Iwill devote myself to you."
Guy Fawkes gazed at her for a moment passionately, and then, coveringhis face with his hands, appeared torn by conflicting emotions.
Viviana approached him, and pressing his arm, asked in an entreatingvoice, "Are you still determined to pursue your dreadful project?"
"I am," replied Fawkes, uncovering his face, and gazing at her; "but, ifI remain here a moment longer, I shall not be able to do so."
"I will detain you, then," she rejoined, "and exercise the power Ipossess 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.
As he gained the passage, he encountered Catesby, who looked abashed atseeing him.
"I have overheard what has passed," said the latter, "and applaud yourresolution. Few men, similarly circumstanced, would have acted as youhave done."
"_You_ would not," said Fawkes, coldly.
"Perhaps not," rejoined Catesby. "But that does not lessen my admirationof your conduct."
"I am devoted to one object," replied Fawkes, "and nothing shall turn mefrom it."
"Remove yourself instantly from temptation, then," replied Catesby. "Iwill meet you at the cellar beneath the Parliament House to-morrownight."
With this, he accompanied Guy Fawkes to the door; and the latter,without hazarding a look behind him, set out for London, where hearrived at nightfall.
On the following night, Fawkes examined the cellar, and found it in allrespects as he had left it; and, apprehensive lest some difficulty mightarise, he resolved to make every preparation. He, accordingly, piercedthe sides of several of the barrels piled against the walls with agimlet, and inserted in the holes small pieces of slow-burning match.Not content with this, he staved in the tops of the uppermost tier, andscattered powder among them to secure their instantaneous ignition.
This done, he took a powder-horn, with which he was provided, andkneeling down, and holding his lantern so as to throw a light upon thefloor, laid a train to one of the lower barrels, and brought it within afew inches of the door, intending to fire it from that point. Hisarrangements completed, he arose, and muttered,
"A vessel is provided for my escape in the river, and my companionsadvise me to use a slow match, which will allow me to get out of harm'sway. But I will see the deed done, and if the train fails, will hold atorch to the barrels myself."
At this juncture, a slight tap was heard without.
Guy Fawkes instantly masked his lantern, and cautiously opening thedoor, beheld Catesby.
"I am come to tell you that Parliament is prorogued," said the latter."The House does not meet till the fifth of November. We have anothermonth to wait."
"I am sorry for it," rejoined Fawkes. "I have just laid the train. Thelucky moment will pass."
And, locking the door, he proceeded with Catesby to the adjoining house.
They had scarcely been gone more than a second, when two figures muffledin cloaks emerged from behind a wall.
"The train is laid," observed the foremost, "and they are gone to thehouse. You might seize them now without danger."
"That will not answer my purpose," replied the other. "I will give themanother month."
"Another month!" replied the first speaker. "Who knows what may happenin that time? They may abandon their project."
"There is no fear of that," replied the other. "But you had better goand join them."