Old St. Paul's.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 17, Issue 5, 19 January 1906, Page 2

Old St. Paul's.

£1 Ston? of tbc * * v * * v (great lonfcon flMaouc.

By the famous novelist, HARRISON AINSWORTH.

PART 9. BOOK raj: THIRD. j JUNK, 1665. ; Chapter f. I THE IMPRISONED FAMILY, The first few days of their confinement were passed by the grocer’s family in a very uncomfortable rammer. No Ohe,except Mr. Bloundel, appeared reconciled to the plan, and even he found it more difficult of accomplishment than he had amicipaled. The darkness of the rooms and the want of ventilation caused by the closed windows and barred doors, gave the house the air of a prison, and occasioned a sense of oppression almost intolerable. . Blaise declared it was “ worse than being in Newgate, and that he musttakeanaddilionalrufus to set right hi® digestion while Patience affirmed “ that it was like being buried alive, and that she would hot stand it.” Mr. Bloundel paid no attention to their complaints, but addressed himself seriously to thereipedy. Insisting upon the utmost attention being paid to cleanliness, he had an abundant supply of water drawn, with which the floors of every room and passage were washed down daily. By such means the house Was kept cool and wholesome ; and its inmates, becoming habituated to the gloom, in a great degree, recovered their cheerfulness. The daily routine of the establishment was as follows. The grocer arose at dawn, and proceeded to call up the whole of his family. They then assembled in a large room on the second story, where he offered up thanks that they bad been spared during the night, and prayed for their preservation daring the day. He next assigned a task to each.; and took care to see it afterwards duly fulfilled, well knowing that constant employment was the best way to check repining and promote contentment. Heretofore the servants had always taken their meals in the kitchen, but now they always sat down to table with him. “ I will make no distinction at this

sen sob,” he said ; '* all shall fare as I fare, and t enjoy the same comforts as myself. And I trust my dwelling may be as sure a refuge amid this pestilential storm as theark of the patriarch proved when Heaven’s vengence was called forth in the mighty flood.” Their devotions ended, the whole party repaired to one of the lower-rooms, where a plentiful breakfast was provided, and of which they all partook, The business of the day then began, and, as has been observed, no one was suffered to remain idle. 'The younger children were allowed to play and exercise themselves as much as they chose in the garret, and Blaize : i and Patience were occasionally invited to join them. A certain portion of the evening was also devoted to harmless recreation and amusement#. The result may be anticipated. No one suffered in health) while all improved in spirits. Prayers, as usual, concluded the day, and the the family retired to rest at an early hour. This system of things may appear sufficiently monotonous, but it was precisely adapted to the ' exigencies of (he case, and produced a most salutaryi effect. Regular duties and regular employments being imposed upon each, and their constant recurrence, so fa'f from being irk- ■ some, soon became agreeable. After a» while the while fami'y seemed to grow indifferent to the external world—to live only for each other, and to think only of each other—and to Leonard Holt, indeed, that house was all the world. Those walls contained everything dear to him, and he would have been quite content never to leave them if Amabel had been always near. He made no attempt to renew his suit—seldom or never exchanging a word with her, and might have been supposed to have become wholly indifferent to her. But it was not so. His heart was consumed by the same flame as before. No longer, however, a prey to jealousy—no longer apprehensive of the earl—he felt so happy, in comparison of what he had been, that he almost prayed that the term of their imprisonment might be prolonged. Sometimes the image of Nizza Macascree would intrude upon him, and he thought, with a feeling akin to remorse, of what she might suffer—for he was too well acquainted with the pangs of unrequited love not to sympathise deeply with her. As to Amabel, she addressed herself assiduously to the'tasks

enjoined by her father, and allowed her mind to dwell as little as.possihle on the past, but employed all her spare-time in devotional exercises. It will be remembered that the grocer had reserved a communication with the street, by means of a shutter opening from a small room in the upper storey. Hither he would now frequently repair, and though he did not as yet think it necessary to have recourse to all the precautionary measures he intended eventually to adopt—such as flashing a pistol when he looked forth—yet he never opened the shutter without holding a phial of vinegar, or a handkerchief wetted with the same liquid, to his face. Before closing his house he had hired a porter who occupied (1 e hutch at his door, and held himself in readiness to execute any commission, or perform any service that might he required. Fresh vegetables, poultry, eggs, butter, and milk were brought by a higgler from the country, and raised bv means of a basket or a cau attached to the pulley. Butcher’s meat was fetched him from Newgate Market by the porter. This man, whose name was Ralph Dallison, had been formerly in the employ of the grocer, who, knowing his character, could place entire reliance on him, Dallison reported the progress of the pestilence daily, and acquainted him with the increasing amount of the bills of mortality. Several houses,he said, were infected in Cheapside, and ( wo in Wood-street, one of which was but it short distance from the grocer’s habitation. A watchman was stationed at the dour, and the red cross marked upon it, and on the following night the grocer heard the sound of the doleful bell announcing the approach of the p st-cart. The weather still continued as serene and beautiful as ever, hut no refieshing showers fell —no soft and healthful breezes blew—and itwas m,w found to he true, what had been prognostilaiiod, iiz., Unit with the heats of summer the plague, would fearfully increase. The grocer was not incommoded hi the same degree as his neighbours. By excluding the light ho exffui.li (1 thu lunt, and the care which he took to nave his house washed down kept it cool. The middle of June had arrived and such dismal accounts wi re now brought him of the havoc occasioned by the scourge that ho would no longer take in fresh provisions, but began to ■jpmi bis stores. Dallison told him that the ilarm whs worse than ever-that vast numbers wi re endeavouring to leave the city, but no one mold now do so without a certificate,which was m v. r granted if the slightest suspicion was attached to the party. “If things go on in this way,’’said the porter, “ L> ndon will soon be deserted.' No business ia conduoied as it used to be, and everybody is viewed with distrust. The preachers, who ought to he the last to quit, have left their churches, sml the Lord’s day is no longer obsened. Many medical men oven hove depai ted,declaring their services are no longer of any avail. All public unusenieiits are suspended, and the taverns are sidy open to the profane and dissolute, who ;h-ride God's judgments and declare they have no fear. Robberies, murders, and other crimes have greatly increased, and the most dreadful deed-, are now committed with impunity. You gave done wisely, sir, in protecting yourself igainst them.'L “ I have reason to be thankful that I have .lone so,” replied Bloundel And he dosed the iliiilt- r to meditate on what he had just heard. And there was abundant food for reflection. Around him iay a great and populous city, beraniedin, Mj by a flpe, by an ejterroinatiiM

plague, that spared'neither age, condltfoh, not' •ex. No man could tell what the end of all this would be—neither at what point the wrath of the offended Deity would stop—nor whether He would relent until he had utterly destroyed a people who so contemned His word. Scarcely daring to hope for leniency, and filled with a Jreadful foreboding of what would ensue, the grocer addressed a long and fervent supplication :o Heaven, imploring a mitigation of its wrath. On joining his family, his grave manner and silence showed how powerfully he ,h&d been' affected. No one questioned him as to what had occurred, but all understood he had received some distressing intelligence. Amid his anxiety, one circumstance gave him unalloyed satisfaction: this was the change wrought in Amabel’s character. It had been stated that she had become extremely devout, and passed the whole of the time not appointed for other occupations in the study of the Scriptures or in prayer. Her manner was extremely sedate, and her conversation assumed a tone that gave her parents,and especially her father, inexpressible pleasure. Mrs Bloundel would have been equally delighted with the change if it had tended to forward her own favourite scheme of a union with Leonard ; but as this was not the case, though she rejoiced in the improvement, she still was not entirely satisfied. She could not help noting, also, that her daughter had become pale and thin, and though she uttered no complaint, Mrs. Bloundel began to fear her health was declining. _ Leonard Holt looked on in wonder and admiration, and, if possible, his love increased, though his hopes diminished—for though Amabel was kinder to him than before, her kindness seemed the result rather of a sense of duty than regard. Upon one occasion they were left alone together, and instead of quitting the room, as she had been accustomed, Amabel called to Leonard, who was about to depart, and requested him to stay. The apprentice instantly obeyed ; the colour forsook his cheek, and bis heart beat violently. “ You desire to speak with me, Amabel,” be' said. “ Have you relented ? Is there any hope for me ?”

“ Alas, no," she replied ; “ and it is on that very point I have now detained you. You will I am sure, rejoice to learn that I have at length fully regained ray peace of mind, and have become sensible of the weakness of which I have been guilty—of the folly, worse than folly, I have committed. My feelings are now under proper restraint, and, viewing myself with other eyes, I see how culpable I have been. Oh, Leonard, if you knew the effort it has been to conquer the fatal passion that consumed me if I were to tell you of the pangs it has cost me —of the tears I have shed—of the heart-quakes endured, you would pity met.” “ I do, indeed, pity you,” replied Leonard, “ for my own sufferings have been equally severe. But I have not been as successful as you in subduing them.” ; “ Because you have not pursued the right pneans, Leonard,” she rejoined. “ Fix your thoughts on high ; build your hopes of happiness on Heaven ; strengthen your faith ; and you will soon find the victory easy. A short time ago, I thought only of worldly pleasures, and was ensnared by vanity and admiration, enchained to one whom I knew to be worthless, and who pursued me only to destroy me. Religion has preserved me from the snare, and religion will restore you to happiness. But you must devote yourself to heaven, not lightly, but with your whole soul. You must forget me—forget yourself—forget all but thegrand object. And this is a season of all others when it is most needful to lead a life of piety, to look upon yourself as dead to this world, and to be ever prepared for that to come. I shudder to think what might have been my portion had I perished in my sin.” - 41 Yours is a naost happy frame of nuno, returned Leonard, “ and I would I had a chance of attaining the same tranquility. But if you have conquered your love for the earl, if your heart isdisengaged, why deny me a hope ?” “ My heart is not disengaged, Leonard,” she replied; “it is engrossed by Heaven. While the plague is ragingaround us thus, while thousands are daily carried off by that devouring scourge, and while every hour, every moment, may be our last, our thoughts ought always to be fixed above. I have ceased tolove the earl, but I can never love another, and therefore it would be unjust to you, to whom I owe so much, to hold out hopes that never can be realized.” “ Alas ' alas! ” cried Leonard, unable to control his emotion. “Compose yourself, dear Leonard,” she cried, greatly moved. “ I would I could comply with your wishes. But alas ! I cannot. I could only give you,” she added, in a tone so thrilling that 'it froze the blood in his veins, “ a breaking, perhaps a broken heart,” “ Gracious Heaven! ” exclaimed Leonard, becoming as pale as death; “is it come to ih'.s ? ” ! “ Again I beg you to compose yourself,” she -rejoined, calmly, “ and I entreat you not to let What I have told you pass your bps. I would ‘not alarm my father, or my dear and anxious : mother, on my account. And there may be no jreason for alarm. Promise me, therefore, you will be silent.”

: Leonard reluctantly gave the required pledge. i “ I have unwittingly been the cause of much affliction to you,” pursued Amabel, “ and would gladly see you happy, and there is one person, •I think, wjio would make you so—l mean Nizza Maeascree. From wbat she said to me when we were alone together in the vaults of Saint Faith’s, I am sure she is sincerely attached to you. (Jsald you not requite her love ?” ; “No,” replied Leonard ; “ there is no change jin affection like mine.” “ Pursue the course I .have advised,” replied iAmabel, “ and you will find all your troubles vanish. Farewell. I depend upon your silence." And she quitted the room, leaving Leonard in a state of indescribable anxiety.

Faithful, however, to his promise, he made no •mention of his uneasiness to the grocer or his wife, but indulged his grief in secret. Ignorant of what was passing, Mr. Bloundel, who was still notwithoutappreheusion of some further attempt on the part of the earl, sent. Dallison to make inquiries after him, and learnt that he was at Whitehall, butthattbe court had fixed to remove to Hampton Court at the end of June. The porter also informed him that the city was emptying fast, that the lord mayor’s residence was literally besieged with applications for bills of health, that officers were stationed at the gates, and that besides these, barriers and turnpikes were erected on all the main roads, at which the certificates were required to be exhibited ; and .that such persons as escaped without them were driven back by the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages, who refused to supply them with hecessaries, and as they could not return home many had perished of want, or perhaps of the pestilence, in the open fields. Horses and, coaches, he added, were not to be procured except at exborbitant prices, and thousands had departed on foot, looking up their houses and leaving their effects behind them. “ In consequence of this,” added Dallison, “ several houses have beeu broken open ; and .though the watch had been trebled, still they 'cannot be in all places at once, ami strong as the force is, it is not adequate to the present emergency. Bands of robbers stalk the streets at night, taking vehicles with them built to resemble pest-carts, and beating off the watch, they break open the houses and carry off any goods they please.” This intelligence greatly alarmed the grocer, and be began to fear bis plans would be defeated in an unexpected manner. Jleengageil Dallison to procure another trusty companion to take his place at night, and furnished him with money to purchase arms. He no longer slept so tranquilly as before, but frequently repaired to his place of observation to see that the watchman was at his post, and that all was secure. For the last few days he had remarked with some uneasiness that a youth frequently passed the house and gazed at the barred windows, and lie at first imagined he might he leagued with the nocturnal marauders he had heard of; but the prepossessing appearance of the stripling, who could not be more than sixteen, and who was singularly slightly made, soon dispelled the idea. Still, as he constantly appeared at the game spot, the grocer began to have a new apprehension, and to suspect he was an emissary of the Bart of Rochester, and he sent Dallison to inquire his business. The youth returned an evasive answer and withdrew, but the next day he was there again. On this occasion Mr. Bloundel pointed him out to Leonard Holt, and asked him if he had seen him before. The youth’s back being towards Ihem, the apprentice unhesitatingly answered in the negative ; but as the subject of investigation turned the next moment mid looked up, revealing features of feminine delicacy and beauty, set off by long flowing jet-black ringlets, Leonard started and coloured, “ I was mistaken,” he said, “ I have seen him before." “ Is he one of the Earl of Rochester’s pages ? ” asked Mr. Bloundel, “ No,” replied Li onard, “ and you need not be uneasy about him-. I am sure he intends no harm.” Thus satisfied, the grocer thought no more , About tfre iiiftUef, He then arranged with Lco«

Hard thaffe should visitthe wnifloft as certain hourson alternate nights with himself, and appointed the following night as that on which the apprentice’s duties should commence. # On the same night, however, an alarming incident occurred, which kept the grocer andhis apprentice for a long time on the watch. The family had just retired to rest when the report of firearms were heard close to the street door, and Mr. Bloundel hastily calling up Leonard, they repaired to the room overlooking the street, and found that a desperate struggle was going on below. The moon being overclouded, and the lantern extinguished, it was too dark to discern the figures of the combatants, and in a few seconds all became silent, except the groans of a wounded man. Mr. Bloundel then out lo know what was the matter, and ascertained from Ihe sufferer, who proved to be his own watchman 1 hat the adjoining house, being infected,'had bee* -, p by the authorities; and its owner, unable to hear the restraint, had burst open the door, shot the watchman stationed at it, ami firing another pistol at the poor wretch who was nwking the statement, because he endeavoured to oppose his flight, had subsequently attacked him with bis sword. It was a great grief to Mr. Bloundel not to be able to aid the unfortunate watchman, and he had almost determined to hazard a descent by the pulley, when a musical voice was Inard below, and the grocer soon understood that the youth about whom his curiosity had been excited, was raising I he sufferer, and endeavouring to staunch his wounds. .'Finding this impossible, however, at Mr. Bloundel's request he went in search of assistance, and presently afterwards returned with a posse of men, bearing halberts and lanterns, who carried off the wounded man, and afterwards started in pursuit of the murderer.

Mr. Bloundel then entered into conversation with the youth, who informed him that his name was Flitcroft, that he was without a home, all his relations having died of the plague, and that he was anxious to serve as a watchman in the place of the poor wretch who had just been removed. Leonard remonstrated against this arrangement, but Mr. Bloundel was so much pleased with Flitcroft’s conduct that he would listen to no objection. Accordingly provisions were lowered down in a basket to the poor youth, and he stationed himself in the hutch. Nothing material occurred during the day. Flitcroft resigned his post to Dallison, but returned in the evening. At midnight Leonard took his turn to watch. It was a bright moonlight night; but though he occasionally looked out into the street and perceived Flitcroft below, he gave no intimation of his presence. All at once, however, he was alarmed by a loud cry, and, opening the shutter, perceived the youth struggling with two persons, whom he recognised as Sir Paul Parravicin and Pillichody. He shouted to them to release their captive, but they laughed at his vociferations, and in Spite of his resistance, drugged the youth away. Maddened at the sight, Leonard lowered the rope as quickly as he cquld with the intention of descending by it. At this moment Fljlcn.ft turned an agonised look behind him, and perceiving what had been done, broke suddenly from bis captors, and before he could be prevented, sprang into the basket and laid hold of the rope. Leonard, who had seen the movement and divined its object, drew up the pulley with the quickness of thought; and so expeditiously was the whole accomplished, that ere the knight and his companion reached the spot, Flitcroft was above their heads, and the next moment was pulled through the window, and in safety by the side of Leonard. Chapter it. HOW FIRKS WERE LIGHTED IN THE STREETS. Nizza Maeascree—for it is useless to affecl further mystery—as soon as she could find utter ance, murmured her thanks to the apprentice, whose satisfaction at her deliverance was greatly dimiiiisliecTby his fears lest his master should disapprove of what he hud done. Seeing his uneasiness, and guessing the cause, Nizza hastened to relievo it. “ I reproach myself bitlerly for having placed you in this situatoin,” she said, “ but I could not help it, and will free you from my presence the moment I can do so with safety. When 1 bade you farewell, I meant it to be lor ever, and persuaded myself I could adhere lo my resolution. But I was deceived. You would pity me were I to tell you the anguish I endured. I could not accompany my poor father in his rambles; and if I went forth at all, ray steps involuntarily led me to Wood-street. At last 1 resolved to disguise, myself and borrowed tins suit from a Jew clothesman who has a stall in Saint Paul’s. Thus equipped. I paced_ backwards and forwards before the house, in the hope of obtaining a glimpse of you, and fortune has favoured me more than 1 expected, though it has led to this unhappy result. Heaven only knows what will become of me ! ”■ she added, bursting into tears. “Oh ! that the pestilence would select me as one of its victims. But, like your own sex. it shuns all those who court it.” “ I can neither advise you,” replied Leonard, in sombre tone, “ nor help you. Ah !” he exclaimed, as the sounds of violent blows were heard against the door below—“ your persecutors are trying to break into.the house ” Rushing to the window, and gazing downwards, he perceived Sir Paul Parravicin and Pillichody haltering against the shop door, and endeavouring to burst it open. It was, however, so stoutly barricaded, that it resisted all their efforts. “ What is to be done ? ” cried Leonard. ‘ The noise, will certainly alarm my master, and you will be discovered ” “Heed me not,” rejoined Nizza, distractedly. “ you shall not run any risk on my account Let me down the pulley. Deliver me to them. Anything is better than that you should suffei by my indiscretion.” i “ No, no,” replied Leonard. “Mr. Bloundel shall know all. His love for bis own daughter will make him feel for you. But come what will, I will not abandon you.” | As he spoke, a timid knock was heard at the .door, and a voice without exclaimed, in accents of the utmost trepidation, “ Are you there, Leonard ? Robbers are breaking into the house. We shall all be murdered.”

“ Come in, Blaize,” returned Leonard, openling the door ami admitting the porter—“ yen ‘may be of some assistance to me.” i “ In what way ? demanded Blaize. “ Ah ! 'who’s this ?” he added, perceiving Nizza—“what is this page doing here ?” i “ Do not concern yourself about him, but attend to me,” replied Leonard. “ I am about ‘to drive away those persons from the door. You must lower me down in the basket attached to the pulley.” “ And will you dare to engage them ?” asked Blaize, peeping out at the shutter. “ They are armed. As 1 live, one is Major Pillichody, the ,rascal who dared to make love to Patience. I have half a mind to go down with you, and give him a sound drubbing.” ' “You shall not encounter this danger for me,” interposed Nizza, endeavouring to stay Leonard, who, having thrust a sword into his girdle, was about to pass through the window. “ Do not hinder me,” replied the apprentice, breaking from her. “ Take hold of the rope, Blaize, and mind it docs not run down too quickly.” With this, he got into the basket, and as the porter carefully obeyed his instructions, he reached the ground in safely. On seeing him, Pillichody boiled across the street, and nourishing his sword, and uttering tremendous imprecations, held himself in readiness to beat an immediate retreat. NotsolWaviein. Instantly assailing the apprentice, he slightly wounded him in the arm. Seeinghow matteis stood, and that victory was pretty certain to declare itself for his patron, Pillichody returned, and, attacking the apprentice, by tneir combined efforts ho Was speedily disarmed. Pillichody would have passed his sword through his body, but the knight stayed his hand. “ The fool has placed himself in our power,” he said, “ and he shall pay for his temerity ; nevertheless, I will spare his life provided he assist us to get into the house, or will deliver up Nizza Macascrce.” . “I will do neither,” replied Leonard, fiercely. Parravioin raised his sword, and was about t • strike, when, at that moment, the basket was again quickly lowered to the ground. It bore Nizza Macascree, who, rushing between them, arrested the stroke. “ Oh ! why have you done this ?” cried Leonard, in a tone of reproach. “ I will tell yon why," rejoined Parravioin, triumphantly ; “ because she saw you were, unable to defend her, and, like a true woman., surrendered herself to the victor. Take care of; him, Pillichody, while I secure Ihe girl. Spitj him if he attempts to stir.” And twining his arms round Nizza, notwithstanding her shrieks and resistance, he bore ben away. Infuriated by the sight, Leonftrd Holt, threw himself upon Pillichody, and a desperate; struggle took place between them, which termi-. nated this time successfully for the apprentice. Wresting his long rapier from the bully, Leonard; rushed after ‘Parravioin, and reached the-end of Wood-streiet Jut in time to lee biro spring into!

dHoicb,' amTUrive oTf watlTEls pri*®- B|»edh»f after them along Bkjwbladder-street, and Hid-! dle-row, as Newgate-street was then termed j| the apprentice shouted to the coachman to stop, but no attention being paid'to his vociferations, and finding pursuit unavailing, he came to a halt. He then more slowly retraced bis steps, and on arriving at the grocer’s residence, found the basket drawn up. Almostafraid to call out, he at length mustered courage enough to shout to Blaize to lower it, and was answered by Mr. Bloundel, who, putting his head through the window, demanded in a stern voice way be had left the house. Leonard briefly explained. “ I deeply regret your imprudence,” replied his master, “ because I can now no more admit you. It is my fixed determination, as you well know, not to suffer any member of my family who may quit my house to enter it again.” “I shall not attempt to remonstrate with you, sir,” replied Leonard. “All I pray of you is to allow me to occupy this hutch, and to act as your porter.” " Willingly,” rejoined Mr. Bloundel; “ and as you have had the plague, you will run no risk of infection. You shall know all that passes within doors; and I only lament that you should have banished yourself from the asylum which I hoped to afford you.” Auer some 1 urtner conversation between them, a bundle was lowered by the grocer, containing a change of clothes and a couple of blankets. On receiving these, Leonard retired to the hutch, and tying a handkerchief round his wounded arm, wrapped himself in a nightrail, and stretching himself on the ground, in spite of his anxiety, soon sank asleep. He awoke about four o’clock in the morning with a painful consciousness of what had taken place durinathe night. The last conversation he had had with Amabel also arose forcibly to his recollection, and the little likelihood there appeared of seeing her again gave him acute agony. Oppressed by this painful idea, and unable to exclude from his thoughts the unhappy situation of Nizza Maeascree, he bent h'S steps, scarcely knowing whither he was going, towards Saint Paul’s.

After pacing the solitary aisles for some time he made inquiries froih the verger concerning Solomon Eagle. “I know nothing about him,” replied the man, reluctantly. “ I believe ho always appears at daybreak on some part of the roof, bht 1 am ae ignorant as yourself where he hides himself. The door of the winding staircase leading to tbs central tower is open. You can ascend it and search for him if you think proper. Acting upon the suggestion, Leonard mounted to the belfry, and from thence to the summitof the tower. Having indulged himself with a brief survey of the glorious view around he descended, and glanced into every cell and chamber as he passed in the hopes of meeting with the enthusiast, but he Was disappointed. At length, as he got about half-way down, he felt his arm forcibly grasped, and, instantly conjecturing who it was, offered no resistance. Without uttering a word, the person who had seized him dragged him up a few steps, pushed aside a secret door, which closed behind them with a hollow clangour, and, lea-iing him along a dark narrow passage, opened another door, and they emerged upon the roof. He then found that his suspicion was correct, and that his mysterious guide was no other than Solomon Eagle'. “ I am glad to find you have recovered from the pestilence,” said the enthusiast, regarding him with a friendly glance ; “ it proves you are favoured by Heaven. I saw you in the open space before the cathedral this morning, and instantly recognised you. I was in the belfry when yon descended, but you did not perceive me, and I wished to be certain you were alone before 1 discovered myself.” “ You have ceased toroam the streets at night, and rouse , the slumbering citizens to repentance ?” asked Leonard. “ For the present I have,” returned Solomon Eagle. “ But I shall appear again when lam required. But you shall now learn why I have brought you hither. Look along those streets,” he added, pointing to the thoroughfares opening in different directions. “ What see you ? ” “ 1 see men piling heaps of wood and coals at certain distanced, as if they were preparing bonfires," replied Leonard. “ And yet it cannot be. This is no season for rejoicing,” “ It has been supposed that the lighting oi many thousand fires at once will purify the air,” replied Solomon Eagle; “and therefore the lord mayor has given orders that heaps of fuel sh *ll be placed before every house in every street in the city, and th-tall these heaps shall be kindled at a cert-in hour. But it will be of no avail. The we-ther is now fine and settled, and the sky cloudless. But the offended Deity will c<use the heaviest rain to descend, uni extinguish their fires. Ro, the way to avert the pesli cnce is not by fire, hut by prayer and penitence, by huinili lion and f sling. Let this sinful people put on sackcloth and ashes. Let them beseech God, by const-nt prayer, to forgive them, and they may prevail.but not otherwise.” “ And when are tin se fires to be lighted ? ’■ asked the apprentice. “ To-night, at midnight,” replied Solomon Eagle. He then took Leonard by the hind, and led him back the s me way he had brought him. On reaching the spiral sfc-ircase, he s id, “il you desire to b hold a sight such as a man h s seldom witnessed, ascend to the summit ol tins tower an hour after niindight, when all these fires are lighted. A small dooP- on the left of the northern entrance sh II be left open. It will conduct you to the b ck of the choir, and you must then find your way hither as well ks you on.”

Murmuring his thinks, Leon rd hurried down the spiral stairc-se, and quitting the c dhedral, proceeded in the direct ion of Wood-street. Prep'ir»tif'A-.s were everywhere ra king for carrying the lord major’s orders into effect; and such was the bem-fici 1 result anticipated, that » gener-1 liveliness prevailed. On reselling his muster's residence, be found him at the shutter, curious 16 know wbat ws-s going forward _; and having informed him, the grocer immediately threw him down money to procure wood and cod.

“I have but little fsilh in the exp. riment/ he add, ‘but the lord msyor’s injunctions must he obeyed.” With the help of Dallimn, who had non arrived, Leonard Holt soon pr cured a large he p of fuel, ><ud placed it in the middle of the street. The day was passed in executing olbei commissions for the grocer, and he took meals in the hutch with the porter. Tune appeared to pass with unusual slowness, and not he alone, but anxious thous mis, awaited the signal to kindle their (ires, The night was profoundly dark and sultry, and Leonard could not help thinking that the enthusiast’s prediction would he verified, i nd that rain would fall. But these gloomy anticipations vanished as the hour of midnight was tolled forth by the neighbouring clucks of Saint Michael’s and Suinl Alban’s. Scarcely had the stroki s died away, when Leonard seized a light and set lire to the pile. Ten thousand other pih s were kindled at the same moment, and in an instant the pitchy darkness was converted into light as bright as that of noonday.

Anxious to behold this prodigious illumination at its best, Leonard Holt committed the replenishing of the pile and the custody of the house to Dallison, and hastened to Saint Paul’s. He did not pause till he reached the summit cl the tower, and there, indeed, a wondrous spectacle awaited him. The whole city seemed on fire, and girded with* flaming belt —for piles were lighted at certain distances along the whole line of w.dls. After gazing at this extraordinary sight for some time, Leonard begun to descend. As yet he had seen nothing of Solomon Eagle, and searching for him in vain in'the belfry, he quitted the cathedral. From a knot of persons gathered round one of the fires he learnt that the enthusiast was addr< ssing the crowd at the west side of the building, and proceeding thither, he perceived him standing on the edge of the balustrade of the south-western tower, surmounting the little church of Saint Gregory. His braiser was placed on one of the buttresses, and threw its light on the mighty central tower of the fabric, and on a large clock-face immediately beneath. Solomon _ Eagle was evidently denouncing the city, but his words were lost in the distance. As he proceeded, a loud clap of thunder pe led overhead. “ It comes—it comes ! ’’ cried the enthusiast, in a voice that could be distinctly heard in the death-like stillness that followed the thunder. “ The wrath of Heaven is at hand.” As lie spoke, a bright flash cut the air, and a bolt struck down one of the pinnacles of the great tower. Flash after flash followed in quick succession, and the enthusiast, who seemed wrapped in flame, extended his anh towards Heaven, as if beseeching n further display oLita vengeance. Suddenly the lightning oease<rto i dash and the thunder to roll. A few heavy, drops of rain fell. These were succeeded by a. deluging shower of such violence, that in less :han a quarter of an hour every fire within the| rity was extinguished, and all was darkness and/ iespair., 1 The deepest gibom and despondency prevailed tbit night throughout London, Tu sudden

'rtofm was regarded as a manifestation of tbe displeasure of Heaven, and as an intimation that ' tbe arrows of its wrath were not to be turned aside by any human efforts. So impressed were all with this feelirg, that when, in less than half an hour, the rain entirely ceased, the clouds cleared off, and tbe stairs again poured down their lustre, no one attempted to relight the quenched embers, fearing to provoke the Divine vengeance. On the’commencement of the storm, Leonard Holt hurried back to Wood-street, and reached his master’s dwelling just as the rain began to descend in torrents. Mr. Blonndel was at the window, and a few words only passed between him and the apprentice when the latter was compelled to take refuge in tbe hutch. Here he found Dallison the watchman, and they listened in awe-struck silence to the heavy showers, and to the hissing of the blazing embers in their struggle against the hostile element. On quitting the hutch, be found Dallison conversing with Doctor Hodges. ’ The physician expressed great surprise at seeing him, and inquired how he came to have left his master’s house, Leonard related all that had happened, and besought his assistance in Nizza’s behalf. “ 1 will do all I can for her,” replied Hodges, “ for I feel greatly interested about her. But who is tiiis Sir Paul Parravicin ? I never heard of him.” _ “ I know nothing more of him than what I have told yon, sir,” replied Leonard. “Heis a friend of the Earl of Rochester.” “It must be a feigned name,” rejoined Hodges; “but I will speedily find him out. Yon roust lodge at my bouse to-uight. It will be better for you than sleeping in that damp shed. But first, I must have a word or with vonr master. 1 have been abroad all night,and came hither to ascertain what he thought of this plan of the fires,-and what he had done. How do you give the signal to him ? ” “ There is a cord within the butch by which you can sound a bell within his chamber,” returned Leonard ; “ 1 will ring it.” Accordingly be did so, and the summons \ ai almost instantly answered by tbe grocer. A kindly greeting passed between the latter and Hodges, who inquired whether all was going on satis 'actorily within, and whether anything could be done for the'family. “ You have asked me whether all is going on well within. I should answer readily in the affirmative, but that my wife expresses much anxiety respecting Amabel. We have no longer any apprehension of misconduct. She is all we could desire—serious and devout. But we have fears for her health. The confinement may be too much for her. What could you recommend ? " •

“ I must see her to be able to speak con* fidently,” replied Hodges. " I knovy not how that can be accomplished, unless yod\ choose to ascend by a basket attached to the pulley,’’.replied the grocer, with gome hesitation, “ and it is against my plan to admit you.” “ But your daughter’s life, my good friend,” rejoined Hodges ; “ think of that. It I choose to risk life and limb to visit her, you may surely risk the d ance of contagion to admit me. But you need have no fear. Sprinkle your room with spirits of sulphur, and place a phial of vinegar so that I can use it on my first entrance into the house, and 1 will answer for the safel/of your family.” These preparations made, Mr. Bloundel lowered the basket, into which Hodges got, and grasping the rope, not without some misgiving on bis part, be was drawn up. Leonard witnessed his ascent with a beating heart, and could scarcely repress a feeling of envy when he saw him pass through the window, and knew that he would soon be in the presence of Amabel. But this feeling quickly'changed into one of deep anxiety concerning her. Her father’s-account of her had increased the uneasiness he previously felt, and he was as anxious to know the doctor’s opinion of her as if his own fate bad depended upon it. He was kept in this painful state of suspense for nearly an hour, when voices were beard at the window, amt presently afterwards Hodges was carefully let down. Bidding the grocer farewell, he desired Leonard to follow him, and led the way towards Obeapside. They proceed a short distance in silence, when the latter ventured to remark, “ You say nothing about Amabel, sir. I fear you found her seriously indisposed.” “Do not quesdon, me aburt her just now,” rejoined the doctor, in a subdued emotion. “ I would rather not discuss the subject.”

Notliing more was said ; for though the apprentice would willingly have continued the conversation,lds companion’s evident disinclination lo pursue it com pel I< d him to desist. In lids way they reached the doctor’s residence, where Leonard was immediately shown to a comfortab’e bed.

It was lute when he awoke next day, and as the doctor was gone forth, he partook of a plentiful breakfast which was paced before him, and repaired to Wood-street, where I?is master having no commissions for him to execute, he went buk ag in. By this lime Doctor Hodges had returned, and calling him into his library, told him he wished to speak with him.

“ You were right last night,” he said, “in construing my silence into for Amabel. In truth, 1 think she is rapidly sinking into a decline, and nothing will arrest the progress of the insidious disw.se but instant removal to the country. To this she will not consent, neither do I know how it could b> accomplished. It is pitiable to see so lovely a creature dying, as 1 fear she is, of a broken heart.” . -Leonard covered his face with bis hands, and wept aloud. '• We have not yet spoken of Nizza Macascree,” said Hodges, after a pause, tapping him kindly on the shoulder. “ 1 think 1 have discovered a trace of her.”

“I am glad to hear it,” replied Leonard, rousing himself. “Shuis another victim of these profligates. But I will be revenged upon them all,”

“ I have before enjoined you to restrain your indignation, just though it be,” returned Hodges. “I have not yet found out whither she has been taken. But I have a clue which, unless lam mistaken, will lead me to it. But I must non dismiss you. I nave other affairs to attend to, and must give a dangerous and difficult case, on which 1 have hern consulted, undisturbed nonsuit ration. Make my bouse your home as long as you think proper." Warmly thanking (he doctor, Leonard then withdrew. Shortly after this, he walked forth, and ascertaining that he was not required by his master, determined to satisfy himself by actual observation of the extent of the ravages of the plague. Filled with unutterable loathing at this miserable spectacle, Leonard was fain to procure a glass of canary to recruit his spirits. Accordingly he proceeded to the Globe tavern, at Ihe cormr of Birchin-lane. As he entered the house a iively strain of music caught his ear, and, glancing in the direction of the sound, be found it proceeded from the blind piper, Mike Macascrce, who was playing to some halfdozen roystering youths. Bell lay at her master’s feet, and as Leonard approached the party she pricked up her ears, and', being called by name, instantly sprang towards him and manifested the strongest delight. The piper stopped playitg to listen to what was going forward; but, the voung men urged him to proceed, and again filled his glass. '‘Don’t drink any more, Mike, said Leonard, “ but step aside with me. I’ve something U say to you—something about your daughter.” “ My daughter !’’ exclaimed the piper, in s half-angry, half sorrowful voice, whiie a slight moisture forced itself through hin orbless lids. " I don’t want to hear anything about her, ex; cept that sjieis dead. She has deserted me, ano disgraced herself.” "You are mistaken,” rejoined Leonard; “ami if you will come with me, I will explain the truth to you.” . . “1 will listen to no explanation," rejoined the piper, furiously; “she has given me pain enough already. I’m engaged with this jovial company. Fill my glass, my masters—there, fill it again/ he added, draining it eagerly, and with the evh dent wish to diown all thought. “ There, now you shall have such a tune as was never listened to by mortal ears." A louilaugh fiom the young men followed this proposition, and the piper played away sc furiously, (hat it added to their merriment, Touched with compass on, Leonard walked acide, hoping, when the parly broke up, to be able to have a word with the poor man. But the piper’s excitement increased. He played faster and drank harder, until it was evident he Was no longer in a condition to speak rationally. Leonard, therefore, addressed himself to the drawer, and desired him to look after the piper, engaging to return before • midnight to see how he went on. The drawer promising compliance, Leonard departed, and, not feeling disposed to continue his walk, relumed to Wood-street. Nothing particular occurred during the evening. Leonard did not sre Doctor Hodges, who wn engaged in his professional duties; and after keeping watch before the groier’s lill nearly midnight, hg again retraced his steps to the Globe. ‘ The drawer was at the door, and about to close the home.

•• you win be sorry to learn" me nctflTJTTinr ' poor piper,” he said. “ Why, what has happened to him ?” cried Leonard. . .. ~ . " He is dead of the plague,” was the reply. « What, so suddenly !” exclaimed the apprentice. “ You are jesting with me.” " Alas ! it is no jest,” rejoined the drawer, in a tone that convinced the apprentice of his sincerity. “ His entertainers quitted him about two hours ago, and in spite of my efforts to detain him, he left the house, and sat down on those steps. Concluding he would fall asleep, I did not disturb him, and his dog kept careful watch over him, I forgot all about him till a short time ago, when, hearing the pest-cart pass, I went forth, and learnt that the drivers having found him dead, as they supposed, of the pestilence, had placed their forks under his belt, and thrown him upon the other dead bodies.” " And where is the dog ?” cried Leonard. "She would not quit her master,” replied the drawer, “so the men threw her into the cart with him, saying they would bury her in the plague-pit, as all dogs were ordered to be destroyed.” , " This must be prevented,” cried Leonard. " Which way did the dead-cart go ?” “ Towards Moorgate,” replied the drawer. Leonard beard no more ; but dashing through a narrow passage opposite the Conduit, passed Bartholomew-lane, and, traversing Lothbury, soon reached Coleman-street and the old city gate, to which he had been directed. Here he learnt that the dead--cart had passed through it about five minutes before, and he hurried on towards Finsbury Fields. He bad not proceeded far when he heard a sound as of a pipe at a distance, furiously played and accompanied by the barking of a dog. These sounds were followed by cries of alarm, and he presently perceived two persons running towards him, with a swiftness which only could be occasioned by terror. One of them carried a lantern, mid, grasping his i m, the apprentice detained him. " What is the matter ?” he fsked. “ The devil’s the matter,” replied the man—- " the piper’s ghost has appeared in that cart, and is playing his old tunes again.” “ Ay, it’s either his spirit, or he is come tc lire again." observed the other in u, stopping likewise. “ I tossed him into the cart myself, and will sweir he was dead enough then.” *v“ You have committed a dreadful mistake,” cried Leonard. “You have tossed a living man into the cart instead of a dead one. Do you not hear those sounds ?” And,, as he spoke, the notes of the.pipe swelled to a louder strain than ever, “I tell you it is the devil—or a ghost,” replied the driver. MI will stay here no longer.” “ Lend me your lantern and I will go to the cart,” rejoined Leonard. “ Take it.” replied the man ; " but I caution you to stay where you are. You may receive a shock you will never survive,” Paying no attention to what was said, Leonard ran towards the cart, and found the piper seated upon a pile of dead bodies, most ofthem stripped of their covering, with Bell by his side, and plaviug awav at a prodigious rate.. (To be continued.) 975*.