You will recollect that I have of late strongly opposed your intention of retiring to a convent." "I know it, father," interrupted Viviana; "but----" "Hear me out," continued Oldcorne; "recent events have strengthened my disapproval of the step.

You are now called upon to active duties, and must take your share in the business of life,--must struggle and suffer like others,--and not shrink from the burthen imposed upon you by Heaven." "I do not shrink from it, father," replied Viviana: "and if I were equal to the active life you propose, I would not hesitate to embrace it, but I feel I should sink under it." "Not if you had one near you who could afford you that support which feeble woman ever requires," returned Oldcorne.
"What mean you, father ?" inquired Viviana, fixing her dark eyes full upon him.
"That you must marry, daughter," returned Oldcorne, "unite yourself to some worthy man, who will be to you what I have described." "And was it to tell me this that you brought me here ?" asked Viviana, in a slightly offended tone.
"It was, daughter," replied Oldcorne; "but I have not yet done.

It is not only needful you should marry, but your choice must be such as I, who represent your father, and have your welfare thoroughly at heart, can approve." "You can find me a husband, I doubt not ?" remarked Viviana, coldly.
"I have already found one," returned Oldcorne: "a gentleman suitable to you in rank, religion, years,--for _your_ husband should be older than yourself, Viviana." "I will not affect to misunderstand you, father," she replied; "you mean Mr.Catesby." "You have guessed aright, dear daughter," rejoined Oldcorne.
"I thought I had made myself sufficiently intelligible on this point before, father," she returned.
"True," replied Oldcorne; "but you are no longer, as I have just laboured to convince you, in the same position you were when the subject was formerly discussed." "To prevent further misunderstanding, father," rejoined Viviana, "I now tell you, that in whatever position I may be placed, I will never, under any circumstances, wed Mr.Catesby." "What are your objections to him, daughter ?" asked Oldcorne.
"They are numberless," replied Viviana; "but it is useless to particularize them.

I must pray you to change the conversation, or you will compel me to quit you." "Nay, daughter, if you thus obstinately shut your ears to reason, I must use very different language towards you.

Armed with parental authority, I shall exact obedience to my commands." "I cannot obey you, father," replied Viviana, bursting into tears,--"indeed, indeed I cannot.