The time is arrived when I may exert a beneficial influence over him; and it may be, that what occurs to-night will prove the first step towards complete triumph.

In any case, nothing shall be wanting to prevent the commission of the meditated atrocity." With this, she knelt down and prayed long and fervently, and arose confirmed and strengthened in her resolution.
Meanwhile, no alteration had taken place in the purposes of the conspirators.

Night came, but with it came not Tresham.

Catesby, who, up to this time had managed to restrain his impatience, now arose, and signified his intention of going in search of him, and was with difficulty prevented from carrying his threat into execution by Guy Fawkes, who represented the folly and risk of such a course.
"If he comes not before midnight, we shall know what to think, and how to act," he observed; "but till then let us remain tranquil." Keyes and the others adding their persuasions to those of Fawkes, Catesby sat sullenly down, and a profound silence ensued.

In this way, some hours were passed, when just at the stroke of midnight, Viviana descended from her room, and appeared amongst them.