"I have already told you my determination," she rejoined; "I will not stir a footstep with you. And if you have any compassion in your nature, you will not detain me longer."
"I will not leave you here to certain destruction," said the knight. "You shall come with me whether you will or not."
And as he spoke, he advanced towards her, while she retreated towards Leonard, who, rising with difficulty, placed himself between her and her persecutor.
"If you advance another footstep," cried the apprentice, "I will fling myself upon you, and the contact may be fatal."
Parravicin gazed, furiously at him, and half unsheathed his sword. But the next moment he returned it to the scabbard, and exclaiming, "Another time! another time!" darted after his companions.
He was scarcely gone, when Leonard reeled against the wall, and before Nizza could catch him, fell in a state of insensibility on the floor.
After vainly attempting to raise him, Nizza flew for assistance, and had just passed through the door of the chapel, when she met Judith Malmayns and Chowles. She instantly stopped them, and acquainting them with the apprentice's condition, implored them to take charge of him while she went in search of Doctor Hodges.
"Before you go," said Judith, "let me make sure that he is attacked by the plague. It may be some other disorder."
"I hope so, indeed," said Nizza, pausing; "but I fear the contrary."
So saying, she returned with them to the chapel. Raising the apprentice with the greatest ease, Judith tore open his doublet.