Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/246

 "Such is my intention, I candidly confess, Sir. It is my duty."

"Perhaps you may be persuaded to the contrary before we part," replied the Intendant. "The first duty you owe, is to your family in their present position; they depend upon you; and a false step on your part would be their ruin. How can you leave them, and leave my employ, without it being known for what purpose you are gone? It is impossible! I must myself make it known, and even then it would be very injurious to me, the very circumstance of my having one of your party in my service. I am suspected by many already, in consequence of the part I have taken against the murder of the late King, and also of the lords who have since suffered. But, Edward, I did not communicate this intelligence to you for many reasons. I knew that it would soon come to your ears, and I thought it better that I should be more prepared to show you that you may do yourself and me harm, and can do no good to the King. I will now show you that I do put confidence in you; and if you will read these letters, they will prove to you that I am correct in what I assert."

The Intendant handed three letters to Edward, by which it was evident that all the King's friends in England were of opinion that the time was not ripe for the attempt, and that it would be only a sacrifice to stir in the matter; that the Scotch army raised was composed of those who were the greatest enemies to the King, and that the best thing that could happen for the King's interest would be that they were destroyed by Cromwell; that it was impossible for the English adherents of Charles to join them, and that the Scotch did not wish them so to do.

"You are no politician, Edward?" said the Intendant smiling, as Edward laid the letters down on the table. "You must admit, that on showing you these letters, I have put the utmost confidence in you?"