“Readily,” replied Etherege.  “Do you desire to tarry here longer, or shall we proceed before you, while you indulge your tender meditations undisturbed?”

“Leave me,” replied Rochester; “I shall be glad to be alone for a few moments.”

Etherege and Pillichody then proceeded slowly towards Cheapside, while the earl remained with his arms folded upon his breast, and his gaze fixed upon the house.  Leonard watched him with intense curiosity, and had great difficulty in controlling himself.  Though the earl was armed, while he had only his staff, he could have easily mastered him by assailing him unawares.  But Leonard’s generous nature revolted at the unworthy suggestion, and he resolved, if he attacked him at all, to give him time to stand upon his guard.  A moment’s reflection, however, satisfied him that his wisest course would be to remain concealed.  He was now in possession of the earl’s plan, and, with the help of Doctor Hodges, could easily defeat it; whereas if he appeared, it would be evident that he had overheard what had passed, and some other scheme, to which he could not be privy, would be necessarily adopted.  Influenced by this consideration, he suffered the earl to depart unmolested, and when he had got to some distance followed him.  Rochester’s companions were waiting for him in Cheapside, and, joining them, they all three proceeded towards the cathedral.  They entered the great northern door; and Leonard, who was now well acquainted with all the approaches, passed through the door at the north side of the choir, to which he had been directed on a former occasion by Solomon Eagle.  He found the party guided by the old verger—­the only one of its former keepers who still lingered about the place—­and preparing to descend to Saint Faith’s.  Leonard followed as near as he could without exposing himself, and, on gaining the subterranean church, easily contrived to screen himself behind the ponderous ranks of pillars.

By this time they had reached the door of the charnel It was closed; but Rochester knocked against it, and Chowles presently appeared.  He seemed greatly surprised at seeing the earl, nor was the latter less astonished when he learnt that Parravicin was within the vault.  He desired to be shown to his friend, and Chowles ushered him into the crypt.  Leonard would have followed them; but as Etherege and the others declined entering the charnel, and remained at the door, he could not do so.

Shortly after this the sick man was brought out, stretched upon a pallet, borne by Chowles and Judith; and the party proceeded slowly, and occasionally relieving each other, to the great western entrance, where a coach being procured by Pillichody, Parravicin was placed within it, with Judith and Chowles; and orders being given in an under-tone to the driver, he departed.  The others then proceeded towards Ludgate, while Leonard, again disappointed, retraced his steps to Wood-street.