Epistle to Fanny Elssler at New York, from "the Omnibus" in London, 328 Lines occasioned by the successful getting-up of a new Comedy, by J. S. Rumfuskin, King of the North Pole, by John Poole, Contentment, by Martin Opitz Von Boberfeld, The Return of the Birds, by W. G. J. Barker, Light, by the Author of "London Assurance,' On the Knighting of Brunel, by E. L. J. Ghost Gossips, by the Author of "Stephen Dugard," To Myrtha, by George Rudolph Weckherlin, GUY FAWKES. AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE. BY W. HARRISON AINSWORTH, ESQ. ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK. -- BOOK THE SECOND. CHAPTER VII. THE STAR-CHAMBER. VIVIANA, as has already been intimated, after her capture at the house at Lambeth, was conveyed to the Star-Chamber. Here she was detained until a late hour on the following day, when she underwent a long and rigorous examination by certain members of the Privy Council, who were summoned for that purpose by the Earl of Salisbury. Throughout this arduous trial she maintained the utmost composure, and never for a single moment lost her firmness. On all occasions, her matchless beauty and dignity produced the strongest impression on the beholders; but on no occasion had they ever produced so strong an effect as the present. Her features were totally destitute of bloom, but their very paleness, contrasted as it was with her large dark eyes, which blazed with unwonted brilliancy, as well as with her jet-black hair, so far from detracting from her loveliness, appeared to add to it. As she was brought before the Council, who were seated round a table, and remained standing at a short distance from them, guarded by Topcliffe and two halberdiers, a murmur of admiration pervaded the group, nor was this feeling lessened as the examination proceeded. Once, when the Earl of Salisbury adverted to the unworthy position in which she, the daughter of the proud and loyal Sir William Radcliffe, had placed herself, a shade passed over her brow, and a slight convulsion agitated her frame. But the next moment she recovered herself, and said, "However circumstances may appear against me, and whatever opinion your lordships may entertain of my conduct, the King has not a more loyal subject than myself, nor have any of you made 'greater efforts to avert the danger by which he is threatened." "Then you admit that his Majesty is in danger?" cried the Earl of Salisbury, eagerly. "I admit nothing," replied Viviana. am his true and loyal subject." "But I affirm that I "You cannot expect us to believe your assertion," replied the Earl; "unless you approve it by declaring all you know touching this conspiracy." "I have already told you, my lord," she returned, "that my lips are sealed on that subject." "You disclaim, then, all knowledge of a plot against the King's life, and against his government?" pursued Salisbury. Viviana shook her head. VOL. IX. B "You refuse to give up the names of your companions, or to reveal their intentions?" continued the Earl. "I do," she answered firmly. "Your obstinacy will not save them," rejoined the Earl in a severe tone, and after a brief pause. "Their names and their atrocious design are known to us." "If such be the case," replied Viviana, “why interrogate me on the subject?" "Because-but it is needless to give a reason for the course which justice requires me to pursue," returned the Earl. “You are implicated in this plot, and nothing can save you from condign punishment but a frank and full confession.” "Nothing can save me then, my lord,” replied Viviana, “but Heaven knows I shall perish unjustly." A consultation was then held by the lords of the council, who whispered together for a few minutes. Viviana regarded them anxiously, but suffered no expression of uneasiness to escape her. As they again turned towards her, she saw from their looks, some of which exhibited great commiseration for her, that they had come to a decision (she could not doubt what?) respecting her fate. Her heart stopped beating, and she could scarcely support herself. Such, however, was the control she exercised over herself that, though filled with terror, her demeanour remained unaltered. She was not long kept in suspense. Fixing his searching gaze upon her, the Earl of Salisbury observed in a severe tone, "Viviana Radcliffe, I ask you for the last time whether you will avow the truth?" No answer was returned. "I will not disguise from you," continued the Earl, "that your youth, your beauty, your constancy, and, above all, your apparent innocence, have deeply interested me, as well as the other noble persons here assembled to interrogate you, and who would willingly save you from the sufferings you will necessarily undergo, from a mistaken fidelity to the heinous traitors with whom you are so unhappily leagued. I would give you time to reflect did I think the delay would answer any good purpose. I would remind you that no oath of secrecy, however solemn, can be binding in an unrighteous cause. I would tell you that your first duty is to your prince and governor, and that it is as great a crime, as unpardonable in the eyes of God as of man, to withhold the revelation of a conspiracy against the state, should it come to your knowledge, as to conspire against it yourself. I would lay all this before you. I would show you the magnitude of your offence, the danger in which you stand, and the utter impossibility of screening your companions, who ere long will be confronted with you,-did I think it would avail. But, as you continue obstinate, justice must take its course." "I am prepared for the worst, my lord," replied Viviana, ambly. I thank your lordships for your consideration: but |