But even by the imperfect light the young merchant could discern that her cheek was covered with blushes.
"Your answer ?" he cried, taking her hand.
"You must take it from my lips, Master Chetham," interposed the priest; "Viviana Radcliffe never can be yours." "Be pleased to let her speak for herself, reverend sir," rejoined the young merchant, angrily.
"I represent her father, and have acquainted you with his determination," rejoined the priest.

"Appeal to her, and she will confirm my words." "Viviana, is this true ?" asked Chetham.

"Does your father object to your union with me ?" Viviana answered by a deep sigh, and gently withdrew her hand from the young merchant's grasp.
"Then there is no hope for me ?" cried Chetham.
"Alas! no," replied Viviana; "nor for me--of earthly affection.

I am already dead to the world." "How so ?" he asked.
"I am about to vow myself to Heaven," she answered.
"Viviana!" exclaimed the young man, throwing himself at her feet, "reflect!--oh! reflect, before you take this fatal--this irrevocable step." "Rise, sir," interposed the priest, sternly; "you plead in vain.

Sir William Radcliffe will never wed his daughter to a heretic.