Overjoyed to be released, Blaize ran off as fast as his legs could carry him, and never stopped till he reached Moorgate.  Meanwhile, Leonard had reached the place of meeting.  As he stood by the rail surrounding the plague-pit, he thought of Mr. Bloundel’s singular dream, and almost hoping to be similarly favoured, flung himself on his knees, and besought Amabel, if it were possible, to appear to him.  But his entreaties produced no result.  The chill blast whistled past him, and, mindful of what had been told him, he was fain to interpret this into an answer to his request.  The night was bitterly cold, and Leonard, whose limbs were almost stiffened by long kneeling, walked round and round the enclosure at a quick pace to put his blood into circulation.  As the hour of midnight was tolled forth by the neighbouring churches, he heard footsteps, and could just detect a figure advancing towards him.

“Are you there?” was asked in the voice of Thirlby.  Leonard replied in the affirmative, and the other instantly joined him.

“Have you mentioned our meeting to any one?” inquired Leonard.  “I ask, because I was warned by the Earl of Rochester not to attend it.”

“Strange!” exclaimed Thirlby, musingly.  “However, do not let us waste time.  I am about to leave London, perhaps this country—­for ever.  But I could not depart without an interview with you.  You are aware of my strong attachment to my poor lost child.  My daughter Isabella now supplies her place in my heart.  She is the only being I love on earth, for my son has alienated himself from my affections.  All I desire is to see her happy.  This, I find, can only be accomplished in one way.”

Here he paused for a moment, but as Leonard made no remark, he proceeded.  “Why should I hesitate to declare it,” he said, “since it was for that object I brought you hither?  She loves you—­devotedly loves you—­and if her wishes were opposed, I should tremble for the consequences.  Now listen to me.  Situated as you are, you never can wed her.  I will, however, point out a means by which you can raise yourself to distinction in a short time, and so entitle yourself to claim her hand.  I will supply you with money—­more than you can require—­will place you at court—­near the king’s person—­and if you act under my direction, your rise is certain.  I have extorted a promise to this effect from my own son.  I told him my object, and that if he did not make your fortune, I could ruin him by revealing myself.  I may, perhaps, pay the penalty of my crime on the scaffold; but I may also escape.  In the latter case, my reappearance would be fatal to him.  He has consented to cooperate with me, to watch over your fortunes, and, as soon as you have attained sufficient eminence, to bestow his sister upon you.  Now do you understand?”

“I do,” replied Leonard; “and I understand also against whom the Earl of Rochester warned me.”

“And you consent,” demanded Thirlby.