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."