“Since I have no other way of proving my love, I must perforce obey,” returned Wyvil, trying to snatch her hand and press it to his lips; but she withdrew it, and clung more closely to her mother.  “We part,” he added, significantly, “only for a time.”

Quitting the room, he was about to descend the stairs, when Mrs. Bloundel, who had followed to see him safely off the premises, hearing a noise below, occasioned by the return of Leonard with the doctor, cautioned him to wait.  A further delay was caused by Blaize, who, stationing himself at the foot of the stairs, with a light in his hand, appeared unwilling to move.  Apprehensive of a discovery, Mrs. Bloundel then directed the gallant to the back staircase, and he had got about halfway down, when he was surprised by Leonard Holt, as before related.

At the very moment that Wyvil was overtaken on the landing by the apprentice, Amabel appeared at the door of her chamber with a light.  The different emotions of each party at this unexpected rencontre may be imagined.  Leonard Holt, with a breast boiling with jealous rage, prepared to attack his rival.  He had no weapon about him, having left his cudgel in the shop, but he doubled his fists, and, nerved by passion, felt he had the force of a Hercules in his arm.  Wyvil, in his turn, kept his hand upon his sword, and glanced at his mistress, as if seeking instructions how to act.  At length, Mrs. Bloundel, who formed one of the group, spoke.

“Leonard Holt,” she said, “show this person out at the door.  Do not lose sight of him for an instant; and, as soon as he is gone, try to find out how he entered the house.”

“He entered it like a robber,” returned Leonard, looking fiercely at the gallant, “and if I did my strict duty, I should seize him and give him in charge to the watch.  He has come here for the purpose of stealing my master’s chief valuable—­his daughter.”

“I am aware of it,” replied Mrs. Bloundel, “and nothing but consideration for my husband prevents my delivering him up to justice.  As it is, he may go free.  But should he return—­”

“If I catch him here again,” interrupted Leonard, “I will shoot him as I would a dog, though I should be hanged for the deed.  Have you considered well what you are doing, madam?  I would not presume beyond my station, but there are seasons when an inferior may give wholesome advice.  Are you certain you are acting as your worthy husband would, in allowing this person to depart?  If you have any doubt, speak.  Fear nothing.  Unarmed as I am, I am a match for him, and will detain him.”

“Do not heed what Leonard says, dear mother,” interposed Amabel.  “For my sake, let Mr. Wyvil go.”

“I have considered the matter, Leonard,” returned Mrs. Bloundel, “and trust I am acting rightly.  At all events, I am sure I am sparing my husband pain.”

“It is mistaken tenderness,” rejoined Leonard, “and Heaven grant you may not have cause to repent it.  If I had your permission, I would so deal with this audacious intruder, that he should never venture to repeat his visit.”