Implore her to forgive me--to pity me." "Forgive you--her father ?" cried Leonard, in astonishment.
"That packet will explain all," replied the piper in a troubled tone.
"You promised to take charge of poor Bell," he added, drawing forth the little animal, who had crept to the foot of the bed, "here she is.
Farewell! my faithful friend," he added, pressing his rough lips to her forehead, while she whined piteously, as if beseeching him to allow her to remain; "farewell for ever." "Not for ever, I trust," replied Leonard, taking her gently from him.
"And now you had better go," said the piper.

"Return, if you can, to-morrow." "I will,--I will," replied Leonard; and he hurried out of the room.
He was followed to the door by the young chirurgeon--the same who had accompanied Mr.Bloundel during his inspection of the pest-house,--and he inquired of him if he thought the piper's case utterly hopeless.
"Not utterly so," replied the young man.

"I shall be able to speak more positively in a few hours.

At present, I think, with care and attention, there _is_ a chance of his recovery." Much comforted by this assurance, Leonard departed, and afraid to put Bell to the ground lest she should run back to her master, he continued to carry her, and endeavoured to attach her to him by caresses and endearments.

The little animal showed her sense of his kindness by licking his hands, but she still remained inconsolable, and ever and anon struggled to get free.