“In my opinion, sir,” replied Leonard, “you owe your preservation as much to your piety as to your prudence.”

“I have placed my trust on high,” rejoined the grocer, “and have not been forsaken.  And yet many evil doers have escaped; amongst others—­”

“I know whom you mean, sir,” interrupted Leonard, with some fierceness, “but a day of retribution will arrive for him.”

“No more of this,” rejoined the grocer, severely.  “Remember the solemn injunction you have received.”

At this moment they observed a horseman, richly attired, and followed by a couple of attendants, riding rapidly towards them.  Both instantly recognised him.  The apprentice’s cheek and brow flushed with anger, and Mr. Bloundel had much ado to control his emotion.  It was the Earl of Rochester, and on seeing them he instantly dismounted, and flinging his bridle to one of the attendants, advanced towards them.  Noticing the fury that gleamed in Leonard’s eyes, and apprehending some violence on his part, the grocer laid his hand, upon his arm, and sternly enjoined him to calm himself.

By this time, the earl had reached them.  “Mr. Bloundel,” he said, in a tone of much emotion, and with a look that seemed to bespeak contrition.  “I heard that you had opened your house yesterday, and was about to call upon you.  I have a few words to say to you on a subject painful to both of us, but doubly painful to me—­your daughter.”

“I must decline to hear them, my lord,” replied the grocer, coldly; “nor shall you ever cross my threshold again with my consent.  My poor child is now at peace.  You can do her no further injury, and must settle your own account with your Maker.”

“Do not refuse me your forgiveness,” implored the earl.  “I will make every reparation in my power.”

“You can make none,” replied the grocer, repelling him; “and as to my forgiveness, I neither refuse it nor accord it.  I pray your lordship to let me pass.  The sole favour I ask of you is to come near me no more.”

“I obey you,” replied the earl.  “Stay,” he added to Leonard, who stood by, regarding him with a look of deadly animosity.  “I would give you a piece of caution.  Your life is in danger.”

“I can easily guess from whom,” replied the apprentice, scornfully.

“You mistake,” rejoined Rochester; “you have nothing to apprehend from me.  You have promised to meet some one to-night,” he added, in so low a tone as to be inaudible to the grocer.  “Do not go.”

“Your lordship’s warning will not deter me,” rejoined the apprentice.

“As you will,” rejoined Rochester, turning away.  And springing upon his horse, and striking his spurs into his side, he dashed off, while Leonard and the grocer took the opposite direction.  In less than half an hour they reached the little village of Paddington, then consisting of a few houses, but now one of the most populous and important parishes of the metropolis, and speedily gained the open country.  Even at this dreary season the country had charms, which Mr. Bloundel, after his long confinement, could fully appreciate.  His eye roamed over the wide prospect; and the leafless trees, the bare hedges, and the frost-bound fields seemed pleasant in his sight.