Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/247

 "You have indeed, Sir; and thanking you for having so done, I hardly need add, that your confidence will never be betrayed."

"That I am sure of; and I trust you will now agree with me and my friends, that the best thing is to remain quiet?"

"Certainly, Sir, and in future I will be guided by you."

"That is all I require of you; and after that promise, you shall hear all the news as soon as it arrives. There are thousands who are just as anxious to see the King on the throne again as you are, Edward—and you now know that I am one of them; but the time is not yet come, and we must bide our time. Depend upon it, that General Cromwell will scatter that army like chaff. He is on his march now. After what has passed between us this day, Edward, I shall talk unreserved to you on what is going on."

"I thank you, Sir, and I promise you faithfully, as I said before, not only to be guided by your advice, but to be most secret in all that you may trust me with."

"I have confidence in you, Edward Armitage; and now we will drop the subject for the present: Patience and Clara want you to walk with them, so good bye for the present."

Edward left the Intendant, much pleased with the interview. The Intendant kept his word, and concealed nothing from Edward. All turned out as the Intendant had foretold. The Scotch army were cut to pieces by Cromwell, and the King retreated to the Highlands; and Edward now felt satisfied that he could do no better than be guided by the Intendant in all his future undertakings.

We must now pass over some time in a few words. Edward continued at the Intendant's, and gave great satisfaction to Mr. Heatherstone. He passed his time very agreeably, sometimes going out to shoot deer with Oswald, and often supplying venison to his brothers and sisters at the cottage. During the autumn, Patience very often went to the cottage, and occasionally Mr.