“I have chosen,” replied her daughter.

Doctor Hodges found the grocer writing at a small table, close to the bedside of his son.

“I am happy to tell you, Mr. Bloundel,” he said, in a low tone, as he entered the room, “that all your family are still free from infection, and with due care will, I hope, continue so.  But I entirely approve of your resolution of keeping apart from them till the month has expired.  If your son goes on as he is doing now, he will be as strong as ever in less than a fortnight.  Still, as we cannot foresee what may occur, it is better to err on the cautious side.”

“Pray be seated for a moment,” rejoined the grocer, motioning the other to the chair.  “I mentioned to you last night that in case my son recovered, I had a plan which I trusted (under Providence!) would preserve my family from the further assaults of the pestilence.”

“I remember your alluding to it,” replied Hodges, “and should be glad to know what it is.”

“I must tell it you in confidence,” rejoined Bloundel, “because I think secresy essential to its entire accomplishment.  My plan is a very simple one, and only requires firmness in its execution—­and that quality, I think, I possess.  It is your opinion, I know, as it is my own, that the plague will increase in violence and endure for months—­probably, till next winter.  My intention is to store my house with provisions, as a ship is victualled for a long voyage, and then to shut it up entirely till the scourge ceases.”

“If your project is practicable,” said Hodges, after a moment’s reflection, “I have no doubt it will be attended, with every good result you can desire.  This house, which is large and roomy, is well adapted for your purpose.  But you must consider well whether your family will submit to be imprisoned during the long period you propose.”

“They shall remain close prisoners, even if the pestilence lasts for a twelvemonth,” replied the grocer.  “Whoever quits the house, when it is once closed, and on whatever plea, be it wife, son, or daughter, returns not.  That is my fixed resolve.”

“And you are right,” rejoined Hodges, “for on that determination the success of your scheme entirely depends.”

While they were thus conversing, Leonard entered the chamber, and informed his master that Chowles, the coffin-maker, and Mrs. Malmayns, the plague-nurse, desired to see him.

“Mrs. Malmayns!” exclaimed Hodges, in surprise.  “I heard that something very extraordinary occurred last night in Saint Faith’s.  With your permission, Mr. Bloundel, she shall be admitted; I want to ask her a few questions.  You had better hesitate about engaging her,” he observed to the grocer, as Leonard departed, “for she is a woman of very indifferent character, though she may (for aught I know) be a good and fearless nurse.”

“If there is any doubt about her, I cannot hesitate,” returned Bloundel.