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."

"Last month's experience has taught me what I have to expect," remarked
Leonard, with a smile. "My mind is made up, I will stay with you."

"I am glad of it," returned Bloundel, "and now I have something further
to say to you. My wife has acquainted me with the daring attempt of the
Earl of Rochester to carry off Amabel."

"Has my mistress, also, told you of my attachment to your daughter?"
demanded Leonard, trembling, in spite of his efforts to maintain a show
of calmness.

Bloundel nodded an affirmative.

"And of Amabel's promise to bestow her hand upon me, if I claimed it at
the month's end?" continued the apprentice.

"No!" replied the grocer, a good deal surprised--"I heard of no such
promise. Nor was I aware the matter had gone so far. But have you
claimed it?"

"I have," replied Leonard; "but she declined giving an answer till
to-day."

"We will have it, then, at once," cried Bloundel "Come with me to her."

So saying, he led the way to the inner room, where they found Amabel and
her mother. At the sight of Leonard, the former instantly cast down her
eyes.

"Amabel," said her father, in a tone of greater severity than he had
ever before used towards her, "all that has passed is known to me. I
shall take another and more fitting opportunity to speak to you on your
ill-advised conduct. I am come for a different purpose. You have given
Leonard Holt a promise (I need not tell you of what nature), and he
claims its fulfilment."

"If he insists upon my compliance," replied Amabel, in a tremulous
voice, "I must obey. But it will make me wretched."

"Then I at once release you," replied Leonard. "I value your happiness
far more than my own."

"You deserve better treatment, Leonard," said Bloundel; "and I am sorry
my daughter cannot discern what is for her good. Let us hope that time
will work a change in your favour."

"No," replied the apprentice, bitterly; "I will no longer delude myself
with any such vain expectation."

"Amabel," observed the grocer, "as your father--as your wellwisher--I
should desire to see you wedded to Leonard. B