But Hodges positively refused to let Leonard see her again, affirming that the excitement was too much for her, and might militate against the chance of her recovery.
"I am not without hopes of bringing her through," he said, "and though it will be a severe struggle, yet, as she has youth and a good constitution on her side, I do not despair.

If she herself would second me, I should be yet more confident." "How mean you ?" inquired Leonard.
"I think if she thought life worth a struggle--if, in short, she believed you would return her attachment, she would rally," answered Hodges.
"I cannot consent to deceive her thus," rejoined Leonard, sadly.

"My heart is fixed elsewhere." "Your heart is fixed upon one who will soon be in her grave," replied the doctor.
"And with her my affections will be buried," rejoined Leonard, turning away to hide his tears.
So well was the doctor's solicitude rewarded, that three days after Nizza had come under his care, he pronounced her out of danger.

But the violence of the attack left her so weak and exhausted, that he still would not allow an interview to take place between her and Leonard.
During all this time Bell never left her side, and her presence was an inexpressible comfort to her.

The piper, too, was slowly recovering, and Leonard, who daily visited him, was glad to learn from the young chirurgeon that he would be able to leave the pest-house shortly.