"If so," replied Bloundel, "he shall never enter my house again. Send for your indentures to-night," he continued sharply, to Leonard, "but never venture to approach me more."
"Father, you are mistaken," cried Amabel. "Leonard Holt is not to blame. I alone deserve your displeasure."
"Be silent!" whispered the apprentice; "you destroy yourself. I care not what happens to me, provided you escape the earl."
"Come home, mistress," cried the grocer, dragging her through the crowd which had gathered round them.
"Here is a pretty conclusion to the adventure!" cried Parravicin; "but where is the apprentice—and where is the pretty Nizza Macascree? 'Fore heaven," he added, as he looked around for them in vain, "I should not wonder if they have eloped together."
"Nor I," replied Rochester. "I admire the youth's spirit, and trust he may be more fortunate with his second mistress than with his first."
"It shall be my business to prevent that," rejoined Parravicin. "Help me to search for her."