“One cannot well be deceived in a seizure of that kind,” replied the old woman, shaking her head.

“I thought the disorder never attacked the same person twice,” said Parravicin.

“I myself am an instance to the contrary,” replied Leonard.

“And, as you have twice recovered, there may be a chance for Nizza,” said Parravicin.  “This old woman will take you to her.  I will hasten to Doctor Hodges’s residence, and if I should fail in meeting him, will not rest till I procure assistance elsewhere.  Do not leave her till I return.”

Leonard readily gave a promise to the desired effect, and accompanying him to the door, told Rainbird what had happened.  The latter agreed to wait below to render any assistance that might be required, and went downstairs with Parravicin and Chowles.  The two latter instantly quitted the house together, and hastened to Watling-street.

With a beating heart, Leonard then followed the old woman to Nizza’s chamber.  They had to pass through a small anteroom, the door of which was carefully locked.  The suite of apartments occupied by the captive girl were exquisitely and luxuriously furnished, and formed a striking contrast to the rest of the house.  The air was loaded with perfumes; choice pictures adorned the walls; and the tables were covered with books and china ornaments.  The windows, however, were strictly barred, and every precaution appeared to be taken to prevent an attempt at escape.  Leonard cast an anxious look round as he entered the anteroom, and its luxurious air filled him with anxiety.  His conductress, however, did not allow him time for reflection, but led him into another room, still more richly furnished than the first, and lighted by a large coloured lamp, that shed a warm glow around it.  An old dwarfed African, in a fantastic dress, and with a large scimetar stuck in his girdle, stepped forward on their approach, and shook his head significantly.

“He is dumb,” said the old woman, “but his gestures are easy to be understood.  He means that Nizza is worse.”

Leonard heaved a deep sigh.  Passing into a third room, they perceived the poor girl stretched on a couch placed in a recess at one side.  She heard their footsteps, and without raising her head, or looking towards them, said, in a weak but determined voice—­“Tell your master I will see him no more.  The plague has again attacked me, and I am glad of it, for it will deliver me from him.  It will be useless to offer me any remedies, for I will not take them.”

“It is not Sir Paul Parravicin,” replied the old woman.  “I have brought a stranger, with whose name I am unacquainted, to see you.”

“Then you have done very wrong,” replied Nizza.  “I will see no one.”

“Not even me, Nizza?” asked Leonard, advancing.  The poor girl started at the sound of his voice, and raising herself on one arm, looked wildly towards him.  As soon as she was satisfied that her fancy did not deceive her, she uttered a cry of delight, and falling backwards on the couch, became insensible.