CHAPTER VII.
THE STAR-CHAMBER.
Viviana, as has already been intimated, after her capture at the house at Lambeth, was conveyed to the Star-Chamber.

Here she was detained until a late hour on the following day, when she underwent a long and rigorous examination by certain members of the Privy Council, who were summoned for that purpose by the Earl of Salisbury.

Throughout this arduous trial she maintained the utmost composure, and never for a single moment lost her firmness.

On all occasions, her matchless beauty and dignity produced the strongest impression on the beholders; but on no occasion had they ever produced so strong an effect as the present.
Her features were totally destitute of bloom, but their very paleness, contrasted as it was with her large dark eyes, which blazed with unwonted brilliancy, as well as with her jet-black hair, so far from detracting from her loveliness, appeared to add to it.
As she was brought before the Council, who were seated round a table, and remained standing at a short distance from them, guarded by Topcliffe and two halberdiers, a murmur of admiration pervaded the group,--nor was this feeling lessened as the examination proceeded.
Once, when the Earl of Salisbury adverted to the unworthy position in which she, the daughter of the proud and loyal Sir William Radcliffe, had placed herself, a shade passed over her brow, and a slight convulsion agitated her frame.

But the next moment she recovered herself, and said, "However circumstances may appear against me, and whatever opinion your lordships may entertain of my conduct, the King has not a more loyal subject than myself, nor have any of you made greater efforts to avert the danger by which he is threatened." "Then you admit that his Majesty is in danger ?" cried the Earl of Salisbury, eagerly.
"I admit nothing," replied Viviana.