“I must see her to be able to speak confidently,” replied Hodges.

“I know not how that can be accomplished, unless you choose to ascend by a basket attached to the pulley,” replied the grocer, with some hesitation, “and it is against my plan to admit you.”

“But your daughter’s life, my good friend,” rejoined Hodges; “think of that.  If I choose to risk life and limb to visit her, you may surely risk the chance of contagion to admit me.  But you need have no fear.  Sprinkle your room with spirits of sulphur, and place a phial of vinegar so that I can use it on my first entrance into the house, and I will answer for the safety of your family.”

These preparations made, Mr. Bloundel lowered the basket, into which Hodges got, and grasping the rope, not without some misgiving on his part, he was drawn up.  Leonard witnessed his ascent with a beating heart, and could scarcely repress a feeling of envy when he saw him pass through the window, and knew that he would soon be in the presence of Amabel.  But this feeling quickly changed into one of deep anxiety concerning her.  Her father’s account of her had increased the uneasiness he previously felt, and he was as anxious to know the doctor’s opinion of her, as if his own fate had depended upon it.  He was kept in this painful state of suspense for nearly an hour, when voices were heard at the window, and presently afterwards Hodges was carefully let down.  Bidding the grocer farewell, he desired Leonard to follow him, and led the way towards Cheapside.  They proceeded a short distance in silence, when the latter ventured to remark, “You say nothing about Amabel, sir?  I fear you found her seriously indisposed.”

“Do not question me about her just now,” rejoined the doctor, in a subdued emotion.  “I would rather not discuss the subject.”

Nothing more was said; for though the apprentice would willingly have continued the conversation, his companion’s evident disinclination to pursue it compelled him to desist.  In this way, they reached the doctor’s residence, where Leonard was immediately shown to a comfortable bed.

It was late when he awoke next day, and as the doctor was gone forth, he partook of a plentiful breakfast which was placed before him, and repaired to Wood-street, but his master having no commissions for him to execute, he went back again.  By this time, Doctor Hodges had returned, and calling him into his library told him he wished to speak with him.

“You were right last night,” he said, “in construing my silence into alarm for Amabel.  In truth, I fear she is rapidly sinking into a decline, and nothing will arrest the progress of the insidious disease but instant removal to the country.  To this she will not consent, neither do I know how it could be accomplished.  It is pitiable to see so lovely a creature dying, as I fear she is, of a broken heart.”

Leonard covered his face with his hands, and wept aloud.