Part 46 (2/2)

”My sisters are no longer at the cottage, Master Heatherstone,” replied Humphrey; ”they have gone to some friends who have taken charge of them. I saw them safe to London myself, or I should have known of my brother's illness and have been here before this.”

”You indeed tell me news, Master Humphrey,” replied the intendant. ”With whom, may I ask, are your sisters placed, and in what capacity are they gone?”

This reply of the intendant's reminded Humphrey that he had somewhat committed himself, as, being supposed to be the daughters of a forester, it was not to be thought that they had gone up to be educated; and he therefore replied-

”They found it lonely in the forest, Master Heatherstone, and wished to see London; so we have taken them there, and put them into the care of those who have promised that they shall be well placed.”

The intendant appeared to be much disturbed and surprised, but he said nothing, and soon afterward quitted the room. He almost immediately returned with the surgeon, who, as soon as he felt Edward's pulse, declared that the crisis was over, and that when he awoke he would be quite sensible. Having given directions as to the drink of his patient, and some medicine which he was to take, the surgeon then left, stating that he should not call until the next evening, unless he was sent for, as he considered all danger over.

Edward continued in a quiet slumber for the major portion of the night. It was just break of day when he opened his eyes. Humphrey offered him some drink, which Edward took greedily; and seeing Humphrey, said-

”Oh, Humphrey, I had quite forgotten where I was-I'm so sleepy!” and with these words his head fell on the pillow, and he was again asleep.

When it was broad daylight, Oswald came into the room:

”Master Humphrey, they say that all danger is over now, but that you have remained here all night. I will relieve you now if you will let me. Go and take a walk in the fresh air-it will revive you.”

”I will, Oswald, and many thanks. My brother has woke up once, and, I thank G.o.d, is quite sensible. He will know you when he wakes again, and then do you send for me.”

Humphrey left the room, and was glad, after a night of close confinement in a sick-room, to feel the cool morning air fanning his cheeks. He had not been long out of the house before he perceived Clara coming toward him.

”How d'ye do, Humphrey?” said Clara; ”and how is your brother this morning?”

”He is better, Clara, and I hope now out of danger.”

”But, Humphrey,” continued Clara, ”when we came into the room last night, what made you say what you did?”

”I do not recollect that I said any thing.”

”Yes, you did; you said that there were now hopes that your brother would be able soon to quit this house which he had been so unfortunate as to enter. Do you recollect?”

”I may have said so, Clara,” replied Humphrey; ”it was only speaking my thoughts aloud.”

”But why do you think so, Humphrey? Why has Edward been unfortunate in entering this house? That is what I want to know. Patience cried so much after she left the room because you said that. Why did you say so? You did not think so a short time ago.”

”No, my dear Clara, I did not, but I do now, and I can not give you my reasons; so you must say no more about it.”

Clara was silent for a time, and then said-

”Patience tells me that your sisters have gone away from the cottage.

You told her father so.”

”It is very true; they have gone.”

”But why have they gone? What have they gone for? Who is to look after the cows, and goats, and poultry? Who is to cook your dinner, Humphrey? What can you do without them, and why did you send them away without letting me or Patience know that they were going, so that at least we might have bid them farewell?”

”My dear Clara,” replied Humphrey-who, feeling no little difficulty in replying to all these questions, resolved to cut the matter short, by appearing to be angry-”you know that you are the daughter of a gentleman, and so is Patience Heatherstone. You are both of gentle birth, but my sisters, you know, are only the daughters of a forester, and my brother Edward and I are no better. It does not become Mistress Patience and you to be intimate with such as we are, especially now that Mistress Patience is a great heiress; for her father has obtained the large property of Arnwood, and it will be hers after his death. It is not fit that the heiress of Arnwood should mix herself up with foresters' daughters; and as we had friends near Lymington, who offered to a.s.sist us, and take our sisters under their charge, we thought it better that they should go; for what would become of them, if any accident was to happen to Edward or to me? Now they will be provided for. After they have been taught, they will make very nice tirewomen to some lady of quality,” added Humphrey, with a sneer. ”Don't you think they will, my pretty Clara?”

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