“I have a stout heart, and a firm reliance on the goodness of Heaven, which will enable me to bear up against most evils,” returned the grocer.  “But on this point I ought, under any circumstances, to have been consulted.  And I am greatly surprised that Doctor Hodges should advise the contrary.”

“He was influenced, like myself, by the kindliest feelings towards you,” sobbed Mrs. Bloundel.

“Well, well, I will not reproach you further,” returned the grocer, somewhat moved by her tears.  “I have no doubt you conceived you were acting for the best.  But I must caution you against such conduct for the future.”  After a pause, he added, “Is it your opinion that our poor deluded child still entertains any regard for this profligate nobleman?”

“I am sure she does,” replied Mrs. Bloundel; “and it is from that conviction that I so strongly urge the necessity of marrying her to Leonard Holt.”

“I will never compel her to do anything to endanger her future happiness,” returned the grocer.  “She must not marry Leonard Holt without loving him.  It is better to risk an uncertain evil, than to rush upon a certain one.”

“Then I won’t answer for the consequences,” replied his wife.

“What!” cried Bloundel; “am I to understand you have no reliance on Amabel?  Has all our care been thrown away?”

“I do not distrust her,” returned Mrs. Bloundel; “but consider whom she has to deal with.  She is beset by the handsomest and most fascinating man of the day—­by one understood to be practised in all the arts most dangerous to our sex—­and a nobleman to boot.  Some allowance must be made for her.”

“I will make none,” rejoined Bloundel, austerely.  “She has been taught to resist temptation in whatever guise it may present itself; and if the principles I have endeavoured to implant within her breast had found lodgment there, she would have resisted it.  I am deeply grieved to find this is not the case, and that she must trust to others for protection, when she ought to be able to defend herself.”

The subject was not further discussed, and the grocer and his wife shortly afterwards retired to rest.

On the following morning, Bloundel remarked to the apprentice as they stood together in the shop, “Leonard, you are aware I am about to shut up my house.  Before doing so, I must make certain needful arrangements.  I will not disguise from you that I should prefer your remaining with me, but at the same time I beg you distinctly to understand that I will not detain you against your will.  Your articles are within two months of expiring; and, if you desire it, I will deliver them to you to-morrow, and release you from the rest of your time.”

“I do not desire it, sir,” replied Leonard; “I will remain as long as I can be serviceable to you.”

“Take time for reflection,” rejoined his master, kindly.  “In all probability, it will be a long confinement, and you may repent, when too late, having subjected yourself to it.”