Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/345

 sure, you do not meet many in the New Forest, where you have lived all your life."

"Very true, my dear sister: perhaps that is the reason that the New Forest has had such charms for me."

"After that speech, Sir, the sooner you get back again the "better!" retorted Edith. But Edward made a sign to Humphrey, and they beat a retreat.

"Have you seen the Intendant, Humphrey?"

"No I was about to call upon him, but I wanted to see you first."

"I will go with you. I have not done him justice," replied Edward; "and yet I hardly know how to explain to him—"

"Say nothing, but meet him cordially; that will be explanation sufficient."

"I shall meet him as one whom I shall always revere, and feel that I owe a deep debt of gratitude. What must be think of my not having called upon him?"

"Nothing. You hold a place at Court. You may not have known that he was in London, as you have never met him; your coming with me will make it appear so. Tell him that I have just made known to you his noble and disinterested conduct."

"You are right—I will. I fear, however, Humphrey, that you are right, and Edith wrong, as regards his daughter."

"Nay, Edward, recollect that I have, as Edith observed, passed my life in the woods."

Edward was most kindly received by Mr. Heatherstone. Edward, on Mr, Heatherstone repeating to him his intentions relative to Arnwood, expressed his sense of that gentleman's conduct, simply adding—

"You may think me impetuous, Sir, but I trust you will believe me grateful."

Patience coloured up and trembled when Edward first saw her. Edward did not refer to the past for some time after they had re-