whoole coontry wor in flames, and every thing in it burnt to ashes! Is plenty of work good for the coontry? Is good wages good for the coontry? If so, a revolution would be good for the coontry! And why? See what general employ it 'ud cause !-see what work there'd be to build it all up again -see what wages poor men would have then! I'll tell you what together, I'm for making all level, and beginnin' again fresh!"

This generous sentiment was most enthusiastically applauded by all present, with the exception of Venerable Joe, who was the proprietor of sundry small houses, and with whose private interests the adoption of so sweeping a measure of reform would in consequence seriously interfere. He therefore intimated to Bob who made it a point of discretion to applaud every speech that he was about to reply to the red-headed gentleman; and although Bob endeavoured to dissuade him, by pointing out distinctly that such a proceeding would not be safe under the circumstances, he would not be turned from his purpose. He therefore rose, and the moment he had done so, there was a general whisper of "Who's he? D'yow know him? Who's he?"

"I've riz," said the venerable gentleman with great deliberation, "to hanser a hobserwation wot dropped from the hindiwidual vich 'ad the honour to speak last. My hobject is for to say but a werry few vords; and fustly, I vish to arst him how, if he 'ad property, he'd like to have it knocked o' th' head in that there soort o' vay as he speaks on?"

"D' yow think," cried the red-headed patriot, "I wouldn't sell it afore the glory began ?"

"But s'pose," pursued the venerable gentleman, "s'pose--" "Down! down! down!" exclaimed twenty of the Independents in a breath. "Turn him out! Turn him out! He is not one of us! He's a traitor!-a spy! Turn him out!"

In an instant the room was in an uproar. Bob scarcely knew whether to withdraw his friend at once, or to fight through it, seeing that a strong disposition to fight was becoming very manifest. The venerable gentleman wished to explain: he was very energetic in the expression of this wish; but no! nothing could induce them to hear him. He was a traitor !—they would have him out!-and were just on the point of proceeding to violence, when Bob, who would have struck down the first man that touched him, started up, and cried, "Leave him to me!" with an air of so much desperation, that they who were about to assail him stood off.

"Now, old genelman," said Bob, winking slightly at his venerable friend, who understood it, "your conduct is very onregular. March, -afore I take you by the scruff of the neck."

The venerable gentleman deemed it highly correct to make a show of resistance, when Bob at once seized him by the collar, and with great apparent violence forced him from the room amidst thunders of applause.

529

GUY FAWKES.

AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE.

BY W. HARRISON AINSWORTH, ESQ.

ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK.

BOOK THE SECOND.

CHAPTER v.

THE CAPTURE OF VIVIANA. 77 1

ON the morning after his encounter with Guy Fawkes,. Humphrey Chetham, accompanied by Martin Heydocke, took his way to Lambeth Marsh. With a throbbing heart he approached the miserable dwelling he knew to be inhabited by. Viviana, and could scarcely summon courage to knock at the door. His first summons not being answered, he repeated it' more loudly, and he then perceived the face of Father Oldcorne at the window, who, having satisfied himself that it was a friend, admitted him and his attendant.

"You were expected, my son," said the priest, after a friendly greeting. Guy Fawkes has prepared Viviana for your coming."

"Will she not see me?" demanded the young merchant, uneasily.

of

"I believe so," replied Oldcorne. "But I will apprise her your arrival. Be seated, my son."

He then carefully fastened the door, and repaired to Viviana's chamber, leaving Chetham in that state of tremor and anxiety which a lover, hoping to behold his mistress, only knows.

It was some time before Viviana appeared, and the young merchant, whose heart beat violently at the sound of her footstep, was startled by the alteration in her looks, and the extreme coldness of her manner. Oldcorne was with her, and motioning Martin Heydocke to follow him, the youthful pair were left alone.

"You desire to see me, I am given to understand, sir," observed Viviana, in a freezing tone.

"I have journeyed to London for that express purpose,” replied Humphrey Chetham, tremulously.

"I am much beholden to you, sir," returned Viviana, in the same repelling tone as before; " but I regret you should have taken so much trouble on my account."

"To serve you is happiness, not trouble, Viviana,” replied Humphrey Chetham, ardently; " and I am overjoyed at finding an opportunity of proving my devotion."

"I have yet to learn what service I must thank you for," she returned.

VOL. VIII.

20

"I can scarcely say that I am warranted in thus intruding upon you," replied Chetham, greatly abashed; "but, having learnt from my servant, Martin Heydocke, that Doctor Dee had set out for London, with the view of seeking you out, and withdrawing you from your present associates, I was determined to be beforehand with him, and to acquaint you, if possible, with his intentions."

"What you say surprises me," replied Viviana.

“Doctor

Dee has no right to interfere with my actions. Nor should I obey him were he to counsel me, as is scarcely probable, to quit my companions."

"I know not what connection there may be between you to justify the interposition of his authority," replied Chetham; neither did I tarry to inquire. But, presuming from what I heard, that he would attempt to exercise some control over you, I set out at once, and, without guide to your retreat, or the slightest knowledge of it, was fortunate enough, on the very night of my arrival in London, to chance upon Guy Fawkes, who directed me to you."

"I am aware of it," was the chilling answer.

"I will not avouch," pursued Chetham, passionately, "that I have not been actuated as much by an irrepressible desire to see you again, as by anxiety to apprise you of Doctor Dee's coming. I wanted only a slight excuse to myself to induce me to yield to my inclinations. Your departure made me wretched. I thought I had more control over myself. But I find I cannot live without you."

"Alas! alas!" cried Viviana, in a troubled tone, and losing all her self-command. "I expected this. Why - why did you

coine ?"

66

"I have told you my motive," replied Chetham; “but, oh! do not reproach me!"

"I do not desire to do so," returned Viviana, with a look of agony. "I bitterly reproach myself that I cannot meet you as of old. But I would rather-far rather have encountered Doctor Dee, had he come hither resolved to exert all his magical power to force me away, than have met you."

"Have I unwittingly offended you, Viviana?" asked Chetham, in astonishment.

"Oh! no-no-no!" she replied, "you have not offended me; but

"But what?" he cried, anxiously.

"I would rather have died than see you," she answered.

"I will not inquire wherefore," rejoined Chetham, “because I too well divine the cause. I am no longer what I was to you."

"Press this matter no further, I pray of you," returned Viviana, in much confusion, and blushing deeply. "I shall ever esteem you,-ever feel the warmest gratitude to you. And what