The grocer chanced to be out at the time, and the gallant, who had probably watched him go forth, deriding the remonstrances of the younger Bloundel and Leonard, marched straight to the inner room, where he found the dame and her daughter.

They were much disconcerted at his appearance, and the latter instantly rose with the intention of retiring, but the gallant caught her arm and detained her.
"Do not fly me, Amabel," he cried, in an impassioned tone, "but suffer me to declare the love I have for you.

I cannot live without you." Amabel, whose neck and cheeks were crimsoned with blushes, cast down her eyes before the ardent regards of the gallant, and endeavoured to withdraw her hand.
"One word only," he continued, "and I release you.

Am I wholly indifferent to you! Answer me--yes or no!" "Do _not_ answer him, Amabel," interposed her mother.

"He is deceiving you.