They then spoke of Leonard, who had remained above with his master,--of his blighted hopes, and seemingly incurable affliction.
"His is true love, indeed, doctor," sighed Mrs.Bloundel.

"Pity it is that it could not be requited." "I know not how it is," rejoined Hodges, "and will not question the decrees of our All-Wise Ruler, but the strongest affection seldom, if ever, meets a return.

Leonard himself was insensible to the devotion of one, of whom I may say, without disparagement to our poor Amabel, that she was, in my opinion, her superior in beauty." "And does this person love him still ?" inquired Mrs.Bloundel, eagerly.
"I ask, because I regard him as a son, and earnestly desire to restore him to happiness." "Alas!" exclaimed Hodges, "there are obstacles in the way that cannot be removed.

We must endeavour to cure him of his grief in some other way." The conversation then dropped, and Hodges took his leave, promising to return on the morrow, and assuring Mrs.Bloundel that she need be under no further apprehension about her husband.

And so it proved.