Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/270

 satisfaction, and feeling fatigued with his two days' travelling, had gone to bed.

The following morning, he examined the letters which had been given to him by the Intendant, and inquired of Sampson if he could direct him on his way. Sampson knew London well: and Edward set out to Spring Gardens, to deliver a letter, which the Intendant informed him was confidential, to a person of the name of Langton. Edward knocked and was ushered in, Sampson taking a seat in the hall while Edward was shown into a handsomely furnished library, where he found himself in the presence of a tall spare man, dressed after the fashion of the Roundheads of the time. He presented the letter. Mr. Langton bowed and requested Edward to sit down; and after Edward had taken a chair, he then seated himself and opened the letter.

"You are right welcome, Master Armitage," said Mr. Langton; "I find that, young as you appear to be, you are in the whole confidence of our mutual friend Master Heatherstone. He hints at your being probably obliged to take a journey to the north, and that you will be glad to take charge of any letters which I may have to send in that direction. I will have them ready for you; and in case of need they will be such as will give a colouring to your proceeding, provided you may not choose to reveal your true object. How wears our good friend Heatherstone and his daughter?"

"Quite well, Sir."

"And he told me in one of his former letters, that he had the daughter of our poor friend Ratcliffe with him. Is it not so?"

"It is, Master Langton; and a gentle, pretty child as you wish to see."

"When did you arrive in London?"

"Yesterday evening, Sir."

"And do you purpose any stay?"

"That I cannot answer, Sir; I must be guided by your ad-