Part 43 (2/2)
”That I can not yet tell, and it grieves me that I can not; but still I see the necessity of it, if ever we are to return to our position in society.”
”And are we ever to return?”
”I don't know. I thought little of it before I went away and mixed in society; but since I have been in the world, I have been compelled to feel that my dear sisters are not in their sphere, and I have resolved upon trying if I can not find a more suitable position for them. Had we been successful I should have had no difficulty, but now I hardly know what to do.”
”I have not inquired about Mistress Patience, brother; how is she?”
”She is as good and as handsome as ever, and very much grown; indeed, she is becoming quite womanly.”
”And Clara?”
”Oh, I do not perceive any difference in her: I think she is grown, but I hardly observed her. Here comes Chaloner; we will tell him of our arrangements in case we are disturbed by the military parties.”
”It is a most excellent arrangement,” said Chaloner, when Edward had made the communication; ”and it was a lucky day when I first fell in with you, Beverley.”
”Not Beverley, I pray you; that name is to be forgotten; it was only revived for the occasion.”
”Very true; then, Master Secretary Armitage, I think the arrangement excellent: the only point will be to find out what troops are sent down in this direction, as we must of course belong to some other regiment, and have been pursued from the field of battle. I should think that Lambert's squadrons will not be this way.”
”We will soon ascertain that; let your horses be saddled and accoutered, so that should any of them make their appearance, the horses may be at the door. It is my opinion that they will be here some time to-day.”
”I fear that it will be almost impossible for the king to escape,” observed Chaloner. ”I hardly know what to think of his leaving us in that way.”
”I have reflected upon it,” replied Edward, ”and I think it was perhaps prudent: some were to be trusted and some not; it was impossible to know who were and who were not-he therefore trusted n.o.body. Besides, his chance of escape, if quite alone, is greater than if in company.”
”And yet I feel a little mortified that he did not trust me,” continued Edward; ”my life was at his service.”
”He could no more read your heart, than he could mine or others,” observed Chaloner; ”and any selection would have been invidious: on the whole, I think he acted wisely, and I trust that it will prove so. One thing is certain, which is, that all is over now, and that for a long while we may let our swords rest in their scabbards. Indeed, I am sickened with it, after what I have seen, and would gladly live here with you, and help to till the land, away from the world and all its vexations. What say you, Edward; will you and your brother take me as a laborer till all is quiet again?”
”You would soon tire of it, Chaloner; you were made for active exertion and bustling in the world.”
”Nevertheless, I think, under two such amiable and pretty mistresses, I could stay well contented here; it is almost Arcadian. But still it is selfish for me to talk in this way; indeed, my feelings are contrary to my words.”
”How do you mean, Chaloner?”
”To be candid with you, Edward, I was thinking what a pity it is that two such sweet girls as your sisters should be employed here in domestic drudgery, and remain in such an uncultivated state-if I may be pardoned for speaking so freely-but I do so because I am convinced that, if in proper hands, they would grace a court; and you must feel that I am right.”
”Do you not think that the same feelings have pa.s.sed in my mind, Chaloner? Indeed, Humphrey will tell you that we were speaking on the same subject but an hour ago. You must, however, be aware of the difficulty I am in: were I in possession of Arnwood and its domain, then indeed-but that is all over now, and I presume I shall shortly see my own property, whose woods are now in sight of me, made over to some Roundhead, for good services against the Cavaliers at Worcester.”
”Edward,” replied Chaloner, ”I have this to say to you, and I can say it because you know that I am indebted to you for my life, and that is a debt that nothing can cancel: if at any time you determine upon removing your sisters from this, recollect my maiden aunts at Portlake. They can not be in better hands, and they can not be in the hands of any person who will more religiously do their duty toward them, and be pleased with the trust confided to them. They are rich, in spite of exactions; but in these times, women are not fined and plundered as men are; and they have been well able to afford all that has been taken from them, and all that they have voluntarily given to the a.s.sistance of our party. They are alone, and I really believe that nothing would make them more happy than to have the care of the two sisters of Edward Beverley-be sure of that. But I will be more sure of it if you will find means of sending to them a letter which I shall write to them. I tell you that you will do them a favor, and that if you do not accept the offer, you will sacrifice your sisters' welfare to your own pride-which I do not think you would do.”
”Most certainly I will not do that,” replied Edward; ”and I am fully sensible of your kind offer; but I can say no more until I hear what your good aunts may reply to your letter. You mistake me much, Chaloner, if you think that any sense of obligation would prevent me from seeing my sisters removed from a position so unworthy of them, but which circ.u.mstances have driven them to. That we are paupers, is undeniable, but I never shall forgot that my sisters are the daughters of Colonel Beverley.”
”I am delighted with your reply, Edward, and I fear not that of my good aunts. It will be a great happiness to me when I am wandering abroad to know that your sisters are under their roof, and are being educated as they ought to be.”
”What's the matter, Pablo?” said Humphrey to the former, who came running, out of breath.
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