“I cannot accede to your request, madam,” replied Hodges; “because I think the present arrangement the best that could be adopted.”

“And am I not to see poor Stephen again?” cried Mrs. Bloundel, bursting into tears.

“I hope you will soon see him again, and not lose sight of him for many years to come,” replied the doctor.  “As far as I can judge, the danger is over, and, aided by your husband’s care and watchfulness, I have little doubt of bringing the youth round.”

“You reconcile me to the deprivation, doctor,” rejoined Mrs. Bloundel; “but can you insure my husband against the distemper?”

“I can insure no one against contagion,” replied Hodges; “but there is much in his favour.  He has no fear, and takes every needful precaution.  You must hope for the best.  I think it right to tell you, that you will be separated from him for a month.”

“Separated from my husband for a month, doctor!” cried Mrs. Bloundel.  “I must see him to-day.  I have something of importance to say to him.”

At this point of the conversation Amabel for the first time looked up.  Her eyes were red and inflamed with weeping, and her looks betrayed great internal suffering.

“You cannot see my father, mother,” she said in a broken and supplicatory tone.

“But she can write to him, or send a message by me,” rejoined Hodges.  “I will deliver it when I go downstairs.”

“What my mother has to say cannot be confided to a third party, sir,” returned Amabel.

“Better defer it, then,” said the doctor, who, as he looked hard at her, and saw the colour mount to her cheeks, began to suspect something of the truth.  “Whatever you have to say, Mrs. Bloundel, may be very well delayed; for the house is now closed, with a watchman at the door, and will continue so for a month to come.  No one can quit it, except members of our profession, searchers, nurses, and other authorized persons, during that time.”

“But can no one enter it, do you think?” asked Mrs. Bloundel.

“No one would desire to do so, I should conceive, except a lover,” replied Hodges, with a sly look at Amabel, who instantly averted her gaze.  “Where a pretty girl is concerned, the plague itself has no terrors.”

“Precisely my opinion, doctor,” rejoined Mrs. Bloundel; “and as I cannot consult my husband, perhaps you will favour me with your advice as to how I ought to act, if such a person as you describe should get into the house.”

“I seldom meddle with family matters,” rejoined Hodges; “but I feel so much interest in all that relates to Mr. Bloundel, that I am induced to depart from my rule on the present occasion.  It is evident you have lost your heart,” he added, to Amabel, whose blushes told him he was right; “but not, I hope, to one of those worthless court-gallants, who, as I learn from common report, are in the habit of toasting you daily.  If it is so, you must