Old Saint Paul's A Tale of the Plague and the Fire

d of the kitchen stairs, where, hearing voices below, and listening to what was said, he soon ascertained from the discourse of the speakers, who were no other than old Josyna and

oints of his feet. He had scarcely, however, mounted a dozen steps, when a door opened, and Blaize crawled along the passage, groaning to himself, and keeping his eyes bent on the ground.

s wife demanded who was there. But Wyvil, instead of returning an answer, repeated his application. The same demand followed, and in a louder key. Still no answer. A third summons, ho

so, Wyvil slipped into the room, and locked the door. The only object he beheld-for he had eyes for nothing else-was Amabel, who, seein

ed?" cried Amabel, extricati

I would risk a thousand deaths for

r dying-the whole house, perhaps, infected! How can you ask

uld bear you from the reach of this horrible disease.

rightly punished for my disobedience and ingratitude to m

ed no signal, but encountering your father's apprentice, was informed that you were attacked by the plague. Imagine my horror and distress at the intelligence. I thought it would have killed me. I determined, however, at all risks, to see you once more-to clasp you in my arms before you died-to die with you

f some place of refuge or escape, and, noticing her little sister, Christiana,

g her hand. "If you stay here, it will be to perish of

cried Amabel, resisting

cried Wyvil, dr

ain what was the matter, returned. Trying the door, and finding it faste

Amabel. "Pity me, Heaven!

surprise and confusion at seeing me, she will not be able

Bloundel. "Why have you fastened the doo

d Amabel. "What shall I

nt," cried Wyvil. "You are mine, and

a sudden effort. "I have gone too far-but not

her mother's arms, who uttered an exclamation of terror at beholding Wyvil. The latter, though fi

n on the subject. You are come to dishonour my child-to carry her away from those who love her and cherish her, and would preserve her from such mischievous serpents as you. But, Heaven be praised! I have caught you before your wicked design could Be effected.

ate myself, nor conceal what I have done. I have deceived you and my father. I have secretly encouraged the addresses

loundel; "but you relieve me at the same time.

e Wyvil has been in the room ever since you left it, and might, perhaps, have c

oined Mrs. Bloundel. "From what a snare of the evi

replied Amabel. "Pardon me. I do not deserve you

heart, child, and will

a voice broke

s once deceived those she holds dear, will not fail to do so a seco

egard for me, you will instantly leave

should leave it through

rries a minute longer,

r," cried Amabel:-

think not I resign you. Come what will, and however I

d not have believed such depravity existed. Quit the ho

moment," implored Ama

l, trying to snatch her hand and press it to his lips; but she withdrew it, and clu

rd with the doctor, cautioned him to wait. A further delay was caused by Blaize, who, stationing himself at the foot of the stairs, with a light in his hand, appeared unwilling to move

ed. Leonard Holt, with a breast boiling with jealous rage, prepared to attack his rival. He had no weapon about him, having left his cudgel in the shop, but he doubled his fists, and, nerved by passion, felt he had

or. Do not lose sight of him for an instant; and, as soon

nd if I did my strict duty, I should seize him and give him in charge to the watch.

consideration for my husband prevents my delivering him up

re doing, madam? I would not presume beyond my station, but there are seasons when an inferior may give wholesome advice. Are you certain you are acting as your

dear mother," interposed Amabel.

Mrs. Bloundel, "and trust I am acting rightly. At

ot have cause to repent it. If I had your permission, I would so deal with

nd you, therefore, give full license to your scurrile tongue

bid you, Leonard; and, as you value my regard,

prentice preceded Wyvil to t

have courage enough-which I doubt-to make good your words, and will wait for me for fi

occurred to him that, possibly, notwithstanding his interdiction, some of his companions might be waiting for

sign," he said. "These failures are

e is really infected with the plague, it behoves you to call at the first apothecary's

resent, suppose we amuse ourselves by calling on some astrologer,

d Lydyard. "There are

y term themselv

ll not serve my tu

y is to be believed, has great skill in the occult sciences, lives somewhere in

" replie