CHAPTER IV.
THE SEARCH.
Immediately after Catesby's departure, Heydocke was summoned to his mistress's presence.

He found her with the priest, and was informed that in all probability the house would be visited that night by the messengers of the Privy Council.

The old steward received the intelligence as he might have done his death-warrant, and looked so bewildered and affrighted, that Viviana half repented having acquainted him with it.
"Compose yourself, Master Heydocke," she said, trying to reason him out of his fears; "the search may not take place.

And if it does, there is nothing to be alarmed at.

I am not afraid, you perceive." "Nothing to be alarmed at, my dear young lady!" gasped the steward.