“Indeed!” exclaimed Parravicin, with a look of surprise.  “Who has the honour to be her father?”

“A gentleman named Thirlby,” replied Leonard.

“What!” cried Parravicin, starting, and turning pale.  “Did you say Thirlby?”

The apprentice reiterated his assertion.  Parravicin uttered a deep groan, and pressed his hand forcibly against his brow for some moments, during which the apprentice watched him narrowly.  He then controlled himself by a powerful effort, and returned his sword to its scabbard.

“Come into this room, young man,” he said to the apprentice, “and let your companion remain outside with Chowles.  Fear nothing.  I intend you no injury.”

“I do not distrust you,” replied Leonard, “and if I did, should have no apprehension.”  And motioning Rainbird to remain where he was, he entered the room with the knight, who instantly closed the door.

Parravicin’s first proceeding was to question him as to his reasons for supposing Nizza to be Thirlby’s daughter, and clearly perceiving the deep interest his interrogator took in the matter, and the favourable change that, from some unknown cause, had been wrought in his sentiments, the apprentice did not think fit to hide anything from him.  Parravicin’s agitation increased as he listened to the recital; and at last, overcome by emotion, he sank into a chair, and covered his face with his hands.  Recovering himself in a short time, he arose, and began to pace the chamber to and fro.

“What I have told you seems to have disturbed you, Sir Paul,” remarked Leonard.  “May I ask the cause of your agitation?”

“No, man, you may not,” replied Parravicin, angrily.  And then suddenly checking himself, he added, with forced calmness, “And so you parted with Mr. Thirlby on London Bridge, and you think he will return to Doctor Hodges’s residence in Watling-street.”

“I am sure of it,” replied Leonard.

“I must see him without delay,” rejoined Parravicin.

“I will take you to him,” remarked Leonard; “but first I must see Nizza.”

Parravicin walked to a table, on which stood a small silver bell, and ringing it, the summons was immediately answered by an old woman.  He was about to deliver a message to her, when the disturbed expression of her countenance struck him, and he hastily inquired the cause of it.

“You must not see the young lady to-night, Sir Paul,” said the old woman.

“Why not?” demanded the knight, hastily.  “Why not?”

“Because—­but you frighten me so that I dare not speak,” was the answer.

“I will frighten you still more if you keep me in this state of suspense,” rejoined Parravicin, furiously.  “Is she ill?”

“I fear she has got the plague,” returned the old woman.  “Now you can see her if you think proper.”

“I will see her,” said Leonard.  “I have no fear of infection.”

The old woman looked hard at Parravicin, as if awaiting his orders.  “Yes, yes, you can take him to her room,” said the knight, who seemed completely overpowered by the intelligence, “if he chooses to go thither.  But why do you suppose it is the plague?”