"Why should you doubt it? The plague cannot last forever."

"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?"