"
"No. But Lilly, the astrologer, who predicted its coming, also
foretold that it would last for many months yet; and since one
prophecy has come true, I see no reason why the other should
not."
"Except the simple one that there would be nobody left alive to
take it. All London will be lying in the plague-pits by that
time."
"A pleasant prospect; but a true one, I have no doubt. And, as I
have no ambition to be hurled headlong into one of those horrible
holes, I shall leave town altogether in a few days. And,
Ormiston, I would strongly recommend you to follow my example."
"Not I!" said Ormiston, in a tone of gloomy resolution. "While
La Masque stays, so will I."
"And perhaps die of the plague in a week."
"So be it! I don't fear the plague half as much as I do the
thought of losing her!"
Again Sir Norman stared.
"Oh, I see! It's a hopeless case! Faith, I begin to feel
curious to see this enchantress, who has managed so effectually
to turn your brain. When did you see her last?"
"Yesterday," said Ormiston, with a deep sigh. "And if she were
made of granite, she could not be harder to me than she is!"
"So she doesn't care about you, then?"
"Not she! She has a little Blenheim lapdog, that she loves a
thousand times more than she ever will me!"
"Then what an idiot you are, to keep haunting her like her
shadow! Why don't you be a man, and tear out from your heart
such a goddess?"
"Ah! that's easily said; but if you were in my place, you'd act
exactly as I do.
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