"I do not despair of supplanting him yet," he muttered to himself.

"And now, farewell!" he added aloud; "I am only in the way, and besides, I have no particular desire to encounter Mr.Bloundel or his apprentice;" and winking his solitary orb significantly at Patience, he strutted away.

It was well he took that opportunity of departing, for the lovers' raptures were instantly afterwards interrupted by the appearance of Mr.Bloundel, who was greatly delighted to see the porter, and gave him a hearty welcome.
"Ah, sir, I have had a narrow escape," cried Blaize, "and never more expected to see you, or my mother, or Patience.

I _have_ had the plague, sir, and a terrible disorder it is." "I heard or your seizure from Leonard Holt," replied Mr.Bloundel.

"But where have you been since you left the hospital at Saint Paul's ?" "In the country, sir," rejoined Blaize; "sometimes at one farm-house, and sometimes at another.