Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/207

 do you remember Jason the big mastiff, and how you used to ride upon his back?"

"Yes," replied Clara, "I do; but he died a long while ago."

"He did, when you were not more than six years old. And now tell me, where did the old gardener bury him?"

"Under the mulberry tree," replied Clara.

"Yes, so he did, and I was there when poor Jason was buried. You don't recollect me. But I will take off my hat, for I did not wear the same dress that I do now. Now look, Clara, and see if you remember me."

Clara, who was no longer alarmed, looked on the Intendant's face, and then said—"You called my father Philip, and he used to call you Charles."

"You are right, my sweet one," replied the Intendant, pressing Clara to his bosom, "I did so, and we were great friends. Now, will you come with me? and I have a little girl, older than you by three or four years, who will be your companion, and love you dearly."

"May I come and see Alice and Edith sometimes?"

"Yes, you shall, and she will come with you and make their acquaintance, if their brother will permit it. I will not take you away now, dearest; you shall remain here for a few days, and then we will come over and fetch you. I will send Oswald Partridge over to let you know the day, Edward Armitage, when we will come for her. Good-bye, dear Clara; and good-bye, my little girls. Humphrey Armitage, good-bye. Who is this lad you have there?"

"He is a gipsy which Humphrey trapped in his pit-fall, Sir, and we have soon tamed him," replied Edward.

"Well, then, Edward Armitage, good-bye," said the Intendant, extending his hand to him, "we must meet soon again."

The Intendant then went out of the cottage, and joined his