She could not help noting also, that her daughter had become pale and thin, and though she uttered no complaint, Mrs.Bloundel began to fear her health was declining.

Leonard Holt looked on in wonder and admiration, and if possible his love increased, though his hopes diminished; for though Amabel was kinder to him than before, her kindness seemed the result rather of a sense of duty than regard.
Upon one occasion they were left alone together, and instead of quitting the room, as she had been accustomed, Amabel called to Leonard, who was about to depart, and requested him to stay.

The apprentice instantly obeyed; the colour forsook his cheek, and his heart beat violently.
"You desire to speak with me, Amabel," he said:--"Ha! you have relented ?--Is there any hope for me ?" "Alas! no," she replied; "and it is on that very point I have now detained you.

You will, I am sure, rejoice to learn that I have at length fully regained my peace of mind, and have become sensible of the weakness of which I have been guilty--of the folly, worse than folly, I have committed.

My feelings are now under proper restraint, and viewing myself with other eyes, I see how culpable I have been.