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"Because," replied Blaize, after a moment's hesitation, "my master is about to shut up his house, and no one will be allowed to go forth, or to enter it, till the pestilence is at an end." "Your master must be mad to think of such a thing," rejoined Bottesham. "What say you, brother Furbisher? is that the way to keep off the plague?"
"It would be unpardonable to permit it quite unpardonable," replied this person. "Might not some plan be devised to remove her for a short time, and frighten him out of his project?" said Bottesham. "I would willingly assist in such a scheme. I pledge you in a bumper, young man. You appear a trusty servant."
He's an old man old enough to be your grandfather, with a long white beard, reaching to his waist. He a lover! Mr. Bloundel is much more like one." "For all that, it looks suspicious," returned Patience; "and I shall have my eyes about me on their arrival." Shortly after this, Blaize crept cautiously up to the back yard, and, opening the door, found, as he expected, Bottesham and his companion.
"That opinion will recommend you to Doctor Bottesham," replied Parkhurst; "and since I have smoothed the way for you, you will find him very affable and condescending. He has often heard me speak of your master; and if it were not for his dislike of Doctor Hodges, whom he might accidentally encounter, he would call upon him."
"Besides, I do not see what purpose it would answer." "It would enable me to get into the house," returned Bottesham, "and then I might take measures for Amabel's deliverance." "If you merely wish to get into the house," replied Blaize, "that can be easily managed. I will admit you this evening." "Without your master's knowledge?" asked Bottesham, eagerly. "Of course," returned Blaize.
Bloundel must be to think of imprisoning his family in this way!" "He certainly does not consult my inclinations in the matter," returned Blaize. "Nor those of his wife and daughter, I should imagine," continued Bottesham. "How do they like it?" "I cannot exactly say," answered Blaize. "What a dreadful thing it would be if I should be attacked by the plague, and no assistance could be procured!"
Thinking it some unimportant matter, but yet wondering why Patience should appear so urgent, Amabel complied. She was still more perplexed when she saw the two strangers, and would have instantly retired if Bottesham had not detained her. "You will pardon the liberty I have taken in sending for you," he said, "when I explain that I have done so to offer you counsel."
Fill the young man's glass, Parkhurst. I will insure you against the plague, if you will follow my advice." "But will you insure me against my master's displeasure, if he finds me out?" said Blaize. "I will provide you with a new one," returned Bottesham. "You shall serve me if you wish to change your place." "That would answer my purpose exactly," thought Blaize.
You must take one or two drams not more in a glass of hot posset-drink, when you go to bed, and swallow another draught of the same potion to wash it down." "I will carefully observe your directions," replied Blaize, thankfully receiving the powder. "Of all things," said Bottesham, claiming the porter's attention by tapping him on the head with his cane, "take care never to be without vinegar.
"He meant to begin on the first of June, but as the pestilence is less violent than it was, Doctor Hodges has induced him to defer his purpose for a few days." "Doctor Hodges!" exclaimed Bottesham, contemptuously. "It was an unfortunate day for your master when he admitted that sack-drinking impostor into his house."
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