VIII. THE AMULET.
As the grocer disappeared with his daughter, Nizza Macascree, who had anxiously watched the apprentice, observed him turn deadly pale, and stagger; and instantly springing to his side, she supported him to a neighbouring column, against which he leaned till he had in some degree recovered from the shock. He then accompanied her to Bishop Kempe's beautiful chapel in the northern aisle, where she expected to find her father; but it was empty.
"He will be back presently," said Nizza. "He is no doubt making the rounds of the cathedral. Bell will take care of him. Sit down on that bench while I procure you some refreshment. You appear much in need of it."
And without waiting for a reply, she ran off, and presently afterwards returned with a small loaf of bread and a bottle of beer.
"I cannot eat," said Leonard, faintly. But seeing that his kind provider looked greatly disappointed, he swallowed a few mouthfuls, and raised the bottle to his lips. As he did so, a sudden feeling of sickness seized him, and he set it down untasted.
"What ails you?" asked Nizza, noticing his altered looks with uneasiness.
"I know not," he replied. "I have never felt so ill before."
"I thought you were suffering from agitation," she rejoined, as a fearful foreboding crossed her.
"I shall be speedily released from further trouble," replied the apprentice. "I am sure I am attacked by the plague."