"In all probability, it will be a long confinement, and you may repent, when too late, having subjected yourself to it." "Last month's experience has taught me what I have to expect," remarked Leonard, with a smile.

"My mind is made up, I will stay with you." "I am glad of it," returned Bloundel, "and now I have something further to say to you.

My wife has acquainted me with the daring attempt of the Earl of Rochester to carry off Amabel." "Has my mistress, also, told you of my attachment to your daughter ?" demanded Leonard, trembling, in spite of his efforts to maintain a show of calmness.
Bloundel nodded an affirmative.
"And of Amabel's promise to bestow her hand upon me, if I claimed it at the month's end ?" continued the apprentice.
"No!" replied the grocer, a good deal surprised--"I heard of no such promise.

Nor was I aware the matter had gone so far.

But have you claimed it ?" "I have," replied Leonard; "but she declined giving an answer till to-day." "We will have it, then, at once," cried Bloundel "Come with me to her." So saying, he led the way to the inner room, where they found Amabel and her mother.