Upon one occasion, she found him alone,--the others being at the time within the vault.

He was whetting the point of his dagger, and did not hear her approach, until she stood beside him.

He was slightly confused, and a deep ruddy stain flushed his swarthy cheeks and brow; but he averted his gaze, and continued his occupation in silence.
"Why do you shun me ?" asked Viviana, laying her hand gently upon his shoulder.

And, as he did not answer, she repeated the question in a broken voice.

Guy Fawkes then looked up, and perceived that her eyes were filled with tears.
"I shun you, Viviana, for two reasons," he replied gravely, but kindly; "first, because I would have no ties of sympathy to make me cling to the world, or care for it; and I feel that if I suffer myself to be interested about you, this will not long be the case: secondly, and chiefly, because you are constantly striving to turn me from my fixed purpose; and, though your efforts have been, and will be unavailing, yet I would not be exposed to them further." "You fear me, because you think I shall shake your resolution," she rejoined, with a forced smile.