The
former tapped at the door, and they were instantly admitted by Mr.
Quatremain, the minor canon. Hastening to the door, which was left
slightly ajar, I perceived two young gallants, whom I heard addressed as
the Earl of Rochester and Sir George Etherege, and a young female, who I
could not doubt was Amabel. The earl and his companion laughed heartily
at the trick Judith had played you, and which the latter detailed to
them; but Amabel took no part in their merriment, but, on the contrary,
looked very grave, and even wept."
"Wept, did she?" cried Leonard, in a voice of much emotion. "Then, there
is hope for her yet."
"You appear greatly interested in her," observed Nizza, pausing, in her
narration. "Do you love her?"
"Can you ask it?" cried Leonard, passionately.
"I would advise you to think no more of her, and to fix your heart
elsewhere," returned Nizza.
"You know not what it is to love," replied the apprentice, "or you would
not offer such a counsel."
"Perhaps not," replied Nizza; "but I am sorry you have bestowed your
heart upon one who so little appreciates the boon."
And, feeling she had said too much, she blushed deeply, and cast down
her eyes.
Unconscious of her confusion, and entirely engrossed by the thought of
his mistress, Leonard urged her to proceed.
"Tell me what has become of Amabel--where I shall find her?" he cried.
Pages:
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233