In Viviana Radcliffe I have sought to portray the loyal and devout Catholic, such as I conceive the character to have existed at the period. In Catesby, the unscrupulous and ambitious plotter, masking his designs under the cloak of religion. In Garnet, the subtle, and yet Sincere Jesuit. And in Fawkes the gloomy and superstitious enthusiast. One doctrine I have endeavored to enforce throughout, — toleration. From these who have wilfully misinterpreted one of my former productions, and have attributed to it a pur pose and an aim utterly foreign to. My own intentions, I can scarcely expect fairer treatment for the present work. But to that wider and more discriminating class of readers from whom I have experienced so much favor and support, I confidently commit this volume, certain of meeting with leniency and impartiality.