“Indeed!” exclaimed Blaize, angrily.
“I’ll go and acquaint my master with the
trick directly.”
“Do so,” replied Patience, “and
the house will be shut up to-morrow. Our only
chance of averting that calamity is in the earl.”
HOW THE GROCER SHUT UP HIS HOUSE.
Placed in a warm bed, and carefully tended by the
humane physician, Leonard Holt slept tranquilly for
some hours, and when he awoke, though so weak as scarcely
to be able to lift an arm, he was free from all ailment.
Feeling ravenously hungry, he made known his wants;
and, provisions being set before him, he was allowed
to eat and drink in moderation. Greatly revived
by the meal, he arose and attired himself in habiliments
provided for him by Hodges, who, finding him fully
equal to conversation, questioned him as to all that
had occurred prior to his seizure.
“You have acted nobly,” observed the doctor,
at the close of his recital; “and if Amabel
had a spark of generosity in her composition, she
would worthily requite you. But I do not expect
it. How different is her conduct from that of
the piper’s pretty daughter. The latter
really loves you; and I would advise you as a friend
to turn your thoughts to her. She will make you
happy: whereas the indulgence of your present
hopeless passion—for hopeless it is—can
only lead to wretchedness.”
“Would I could follow your advice!” replied
Leonard; “but, alas! I cannot. Amabel
does not love the Earl of Rochester more blindly, more
constantly, than I love her; and I could as soon change
my nature as transfer my affection to another.”
“I am truly sorry for it,” rejoined Hodges,
in a tone of deep sympathy. “And you still
desire to return to your master?”
“Unquestionably,” replied Leonard.
“If I am banished the house, I shall wander
round it night and day like a ghost.”
“I will accompany you there this evening,”
rejoined Hodges, “and I trust I shall be able
to arrange matters without compromising Amabel.
I wish I could forward your suit more efficiently;
but I see no chance of it, and, to deal plainly with
you, I do not think a marriage with her would be for
your happiness. The brilliant qualities of your
noble rival at present so dazzle her eyes, that your
own solid worth is completely overlooked. It
will be well if her father can preserve her from ruin.”
“The earl shall die by my hand rather than he
shall succeed in his infamous purpose,” cried
Leonard, fiercely.
“No more of this!” exclaimed Hodges.
“If you would have me take an interest in you,
you will never give utterance to such a sentiment
again. Amabel has another guardian, more powerful
even than her father—the plague. Ere
long the earl, who has a sufficient value for his
own safety, will fly the city.”
“I hope the pestilence will number him among
its victims,” observed Leonard, in a sombre
tone.
