Listening intently, he heard voices in the next room.

They were loud and angry, as if in quarrel.
Then all was quiet, and at last Thirlby reappeared, and took his seat beside him.
"Have you seen Doctor Hodges ?" inquired the apprentice, eagerly.
"I have," replied Thirlby--"and he speaks favourably of my poor child.
He has administered all needful remedies, but as it is necessary to watch their effect, he will remain with her some time longer." "And, meanwhile, I shall know nothing of Amabel," cried Leonard, in a tone of bitter disappointment.
"Your anxiety is natural," returned Thirlby, "but you may rest satisfied, if Doctor Hodges has seen her, he has done all that human aid can effect.

But as you must perforce wait his coming forth, I will endeavour to beguile the tedious interval by relating to you so much of my history as refers to Nizza Macascree." After a brief pause, he commenced.

"You must know, then, that in my youth I became desperately enamoured of a lady named Isabella Morley.
She was most beautiful--but I need not enlarge upon her attractions, since you have beheld her very image in Nizza.

When I first met her she was attached to another, but I soon rid myself of my rival.