By Catesby's directions a large oak table, once occupying the great hall, was removed to the Star Chamber, already described as the principal room of the house; and, being securely propped up,--for, like the rest of the furniture, it had been much damaged by the spoilers, though, being of substantial material, it offered greater resistance to their efforts,--the shell containing the body was placed upon it.
"Better he should lie thus," exclaimed Catesby, when the melancholy office was completed, "than live to witness the wreck around him.

Fatal as are these occurrences," he added, pursuing the train of thought suggested by the scene, "they are yet favourable to my purpose.

The only person who could have prevented my union with Viviana Radcliffe--her father--lies there.

Who would have thought when she rejected my proposal a few days ago, in this very room, how fortune would conspire--and by what dark and inscrutable means--to bring it about! Fallen as it is, this house is not yet fallen so low, but I can reinstate it.

Its young mistress mine, her estates mine,--for she is now inheritress of all her father's possessions,--the utmost reach of my ambition were gained, and all but one object of my life--for which I have dared so much, and struggled so long--achieved!" "What are you thinking of, my son ?" asked Garnet, who had watched the changing expression of his sombre countenance,--"what are you thinking of ?" he said, tapping him on the shoulder.
"Of that which is never absent from my thoughts, father--the great design," replied Catesby; "and of the means of its accomplishment, which this sad scene suggests." "I do not understand you, my son," rejoined the other.
"Does not Radcliffe's blood cry aloud for vengeance ?" continued Catesby; "and think you his child will be deaf to the cry?
No, father, she will no longer tamely submit to wrongs that would steel the gentlest bosom, and make firm the feeblest arm, but will go hand and heart with us in our project.