The party then proceeded noiselessly towards the yard.  On the way, Amabel felt a slight pressure on her arm, but, afraid of alarming Leonard, she made no remark.

The back-door was opened, and the little group stood in the darkness.  They had not long to wait.  Before they had been in the yard five minutes, a noise was heard of footsteps and muttered voices in the entry.  This was followed by a sound like that occasioned by fastening a rope-ladder against the wall, and the next moment two figures were perceived above it.  After dropping the ladder into the yard, these persons, the foremost of whom the apprentice concluded was the Earl of Rochester, descended.  They had no sooner touched the ground than Leonard, drawing his pistols, advanced towards them.

“You are my prisoner, my lord,” he said, in a stern voice, “and shall not depart with life, unless you pledge your word never to come hither again on the same errand.”

“Betrayed!” cried the earl, laying his hand upon his sword.

“Resistance is in vain, my lord,” rejoined Leonard.  “I am better armed than yourself.”

“Will nothing bribe you to silence, fellow?” cried the earl.  “I will give you a thousand pounds, if you will hold your tongue, and conduct me to my mistress.”

“I can scarcely tell what stays my hand,” returned Leonard, in a furious tone.  “But I will hold no further conversation with you.  Amabel is present, and will give you your final dismissal herself.”

“If I receive it from her own lips,” replied the earl, “I will instantly retire—­but not otherwise.”

“Amabel,” said Leonard in a low tone to her, “you hear what is said.  Fulfil your promise.”

“Do so,” cried a voice, which she instantly recognised, in her ear—­“I am near you.”

“Ah!” she exclaimed.

“Do you hesitate?” cried the apprentice, sternly.

“My lord,” said Amabel, in a faint voice, “I must pray you to retire, your efforts are in vain.  I will never fly with you.”

“That will not suffice,” whispered Leonard; “you must tell him you no longer love him.”

“Hear me,” pursued Amabel; “you who present yourself as Lord Rochester, I entertain no affection for you, and never wish to behold you again.”

“Enough!” cried Leonard.

“Admirable!” whispered Gregory.  “Nothing could be better.”

“Well,” cried the supposed earl, “since I no longer hold a place in your affections, it would be idle to pursue the matter further.  Heaven be praised, there are other damsels quite as beautiful, though not so cruel.  Farewell for ever, Amabel.”

So saying he mounted the ladder, and, followed by his companion, disappeared on the other side.

“He is gone,” said Leonard, “and I hope for ever.  Now let us return to the house.”

“I am coming,” rejoined Amabel.

“Let him go,” whispered Gregory.  “The ladder is still upon the wall; we will climb it.”