"But whither will she go, and who will watch over her ?" "That is not yet settled," rejoined Hodges.
"Oh! that I might be permitted to undertake the office!" cried Leonard, passionately.
"Restrain yourself," said Hodges, in a tone of slight rebuke.

"Fitting attendance will be found, if needed." The conversation then dropped, and they walked briskly forward.

They were now within a short distance of the pest-house, and Leonard, hearing footsteps behind him, turned and beheld a closed litter, borne by two stout porters, and evidently containing a plague-patient.

He stepped aside to let it pass, when Bell, suddenly pricking her ears, uttered a singular cry, and bursting from him, flew after the litter, leaping against it and barking joyfully.

The porters, who were proceeding at a quick pace, tried to drive her away, but without effect, and she continued her cries until they reached the gates of the pest-house.