He had reason to congratulate himself upon the precaution, as, when the party drew nearer, he recognised, with a pang that shot to his heart, the voice of Rochester.

A moment's observation from his place of concealment showed him that the earl was accompanied by Sir George Etherege and Pillichody.

They paused within a short distance of him, and he could distinctly hear their conversation.
"You have not yet told us why you brought us here my lord," said Etherege to Rochester, after the latter had gazed for a few moments in silence at the house.

"Are you resolved to make another attempt to carry off the girl--and failing in it, to give her up for ever!" "You have guessed my purpose precisely," returned Rochester.

"Doctor Hodges has informed a friend of mine that the pretty Amabel has fallen into a decline.