"Put me out of the question." "My opinion has already been given, father," replied Catesby.

"Remain where you are." "But, if the officers should ascertain that my father is at Chester, and pursue him thither ?" cried Viviana, suddenly struck by a new cause of alarm.
"A messenger must be immediately despatched after him to give him warning," returned Catesby.
"Will you be that messenger ?" asked the maiden, eagerly.
"I would shed my heart's best blood to pleasure you," returned Catesby.
"Then I may count upon this service, for which, rest assured, I will not prove ungrateful," she rejoined.
"You may," answered Catesby.

"And yet I would, on Father Oldcorne's account, that my departure might be delayed till to-morrow." "The delay might be fatal," cried Viviana.

"You must be in Chester before that time." "Doubt it not," returned Catesby.

"Charged with your wishes, the wind shall scarcely outstrip my speed." So saying, he marched irresolutely towards the door, as if about to depart, when, just as he had reached it, he turned sharply round, and threw himself at Viviana's feet.
"Forgive me, Miss Radcliffe," he cried, "if I once again, even at a critical moment like the present, dare to renew my suit.