At this juncture the old porter entered the room, and informed his master that the piper’s daughter was below, and had called to inquire after the apprentice.

Hodges desired she might be shown upstairs, and the next moment Nizza was ushered into the room.  On beholding the improved appearance of Leonard, she could not repress an exclamation of delight, while a deep blush suffused her cheeks.

“You are surprised to find him quite well,” observed Hodges, with a smile.  “Nay, you may approach him with safety.  There is no fear of contagion now.”

“Having satisfied myself on that point, I will take my leave,” rejoined Nizza, in some confusion.

“Not till you have allowed me to return my thanks, I trust,” said Leonard, advancing towards her, and taking her hand.  “I owe my life to you.”

“Then pay the debt by devoting it to her,” rejoined Hodges.  “Excuse me for a few minutes.  I have business to attend to, but will be back again directly.”

Left alone together, the young couple felt so much embarrassment that for some minutes neither could utter a word.  At length Nizza, who had suffered her hand to remain in that of Leonard, gently withdrew it.

“Circumstances have given me a claim to your confidence,” she faltered, “and you will not misconstrue my motive, when I ask you whether you still retain the same affection as formerly for Amabel?”

“Unfortunately for myself, I do,” replied Leonard.

“And unfortunately for me too,” sighed Nizza.  “Doctor Hodges says he can restore you to your master’s favour.  You will therefore return home, and we shall meet no more.”

“In these precarious times, those who part, though even for a few days, can feel no certainty of meeting again,” rejoined Leonard.  “But I hope we shall be more fortunate.”

“You mistake me,” replied Nizza.  “Henceforth I shall sedulously avoid you.  Till I saw you, I was happy, and indifferent to all else, my affections being centred in my father and in my dog.  Now I am restless and miserable.  My former pursuits are abandoned, and I think only of you.  Despise me if you will after this frank avowal.  But believe that I would not have made it if I had not resolved to see you no more.”

“Despise you!” echoed Leonard.  “On no!  I shall ever feel the deepest gratitude towards you; but perhaps it is better we should meet no more.”

“And yet you throw yourself in the way of Amabel,” cried Nizza.  “You have not resolution to fly from the danger which you counsel me to shun.”

“It is too true,” replied Leonard; “but she is beset by temptations from which I hope to preserve her.”

“That excuse will not avail me,” returned Nizza, bitterly.  “You cannot live without her.  But I have said enough—­more than enough,” she added, correcting herself.  “I must now bid you farewell—­for ever.  May you be happy with Amabel, and may she love you as I love you!”