“I care for nothing,” replied Wyvil; “I will see her.”

“This is madness!” remonstrated Lydyard, still maintaining his grasp.  “What satisfaction will it afford you to witness her sufferings—­to see the frightful ravages made upon her charms by this remorseless disease,—­to throw her whole family into consternation, and destroy the little chance she may have of recovery, by your presence?  What good will this do?  No,—­you must pay your wager to Sedley, and forget her.”

“I cannot forget her,” replied Wyvil.  “My feelings have undergone a total change.  If I am capable of real love, it is for her.”

“Real love!” exclaimed Lydyard, in an incredulous tone.  “If the subject were not too serious, I should laugh in your face.  No doubt you would marry her, and abandon your design upon the rich heiress, pretty Mistress Mallet, whom old Rowley recommended to your attention, and whom the fair Stewart has more than half-won for you?”

“I would,” replied the other, energetically.

“Nay, then, you are more insane than I thought you,” rejoined Lydyard, relinquishing his hold; “and the sooner you take the plague the better.  It may cure your present brain fever.  I shall go back to Parravicin, and the others.  You will not require my assistance further.”

“I know not,” replied Wyvil, distractedly; “I have not yet given up my intention of carrying off the girl.”

“If you carry her oft in this state,” rejoined the other, “it must be to the pest-house.  But who told you she was attacked by the plague?”

“Her father’s apprentice,” replied Wyvil.

“And you believed him?” demanded Lydyard, with a derisive laugh.

“Undoubtedly,” replied Wyvil.  “Why not?”

“Because it is evidently a mere trick to frighten you from the house,” rejoined Lydyard.  “I am surprised so shallow a device should succeed with you.”

“I wish I could persuade myself it was a trick,” returned Wyvil.  “But the fellow’s manner convinced me he was in earnest.”

“Well, I will not dispute the point, though I am sure I am right,” returned Lydyard.  “But be not too precipitate.  Since the apprentice has seen you, some alteration may be necessary in your plans.  Come with me into the house.  A few minutes can make no difference.”

Wyvil suffered himself to be led up the court, and passing through a door on the left, they entered a spacious room, across which ran a long table, furnished at one end with wine and refreshments, and at the other with cards and dice.