On the way to the west end of the town, the grocer met one or two of his old friends, and they welcomed each other like men risen from the grave.

Their course took them through Saint Giles's, where the plague had raged with the greatest severity, and where many houses were still without tenants.
"If all had acted as I have done," sighed the grocer, as he gazed at these desolate habitations, "how many lives, under God's providence, would have been saved!" "In my opinion, sir," replied Leonard, "you owe your preservation as much to your piety as to your prudence." "I have placed my trust on high," rejoined the grocer, "and have not been forsaken.

And yet many evil doers have escaped; amongst others--" "I know whom you mean, sir," interrupted Leonard, with some fierceness, "but a day of retribution will arrive for him." "No more of this," rejoined the grocer, severely.

"Remember the solemn injunction you have received." At this moment they observed a horseman, richly attired, and followed by a couple of attendants, riding rapidly towards them.

Both instantly recognised him.