"It may be so," returned Blaize; "for Patience, who ought to know something of the matter, assured me she was dying for the earl; and if she had not told me the contrary herself, I should not have believed it."
"Did she tell you so in the presence of Leonard?" asked Pillichody.
"Why, now I bethink me, he was present," replied Blaize, involuntarily putting his hand to his shoulder, as he recalled the horsewhipping he had received on that occasion.
"I knew it!" cried Pillichody. "She is afraid to confess her attachment to the earl. Is Leonard as much devoted to her as ever?"
"I fancy so," replied Blaize, "but she certainly gives him no encouragement."
"Confirmation!" exclaimed Pillichody. "But fill your glass. We will drink to the earl's speedy union with Amabel."
"Not so loud," cried Blaize, looking uneasily round the cellar. "I should not like Leonard to overhear us."
"Neither should I," returned Pillichody, "for I have something to say to you respecting him."
"You need not propose any more plans for carrying off Amabel," cried Blaize, "for I won't take any part in them."
"I have no such intention," rejoined Pillichody. "The truth is," he added, mysteriously, "I am inclined to side with you and Leonard. But as we have finished our bottle, suppose we take a turn in the court-yard."