an
office."

"Many thanks to him for his good opinion," replied Edward; "but I do not
think that he has any office in his gift which I can accept."

"So I thought, but I said nothing. He again asked many questions
relative to old Jacob Armitage, and he pressed me very hard. He said
that Humphrey was as much above his position in appearance as you were;
but as he was brought up at Arnwood he presumed that he had had the same
advantages. And then he said--`But were his two sisters brought up at
Arnwood also?' I replied that I believed not, although they were often
there, and were allowed to play with the children of the house. He
looked at me steadfastly, as if he would read my thoughts, and then went
on writing. I cannot help thinking that he has a suspicion that you are
not the grandchildren of old Jacob; but at the same time I do not think
that he has an idea who you really are."

"You must keep our secret, Oswald," replied Edward. "I have a very good
opinion of the Intendant, I acknowledge; but I will trust nobody."

"As I hope for future mercy, sir, I never will divulge it until you bid
me," replied Oswald.

"I trust to you, Oswald, and so there's an end of the matter. But, tell
me, Oswald, what do they say about his taking charge of this little
girl?"

"Why, they did begin to talk about it; but when he gave out that it was
the order of Parliament that the child should remain with him until
further directions, of course they said nothing, for they dared not. It
seems that the Ratcliffe property is sequestrated, but not yet granted
to any one; and the Parliament will most likely, as soon as she is old
enough, give her as a wife, with the property, to one of their party,--
they have done it before now, as it secures the property under all
changes."

"I perceive," replied Edward. "When did you hear that the little girl
was to live with him?"

"Not till yesterday morning; and it was not till the evening that we
knew it was the order of Parliament."

Edward did not think it right to tell Oswald what he knew, as it was a
secret confided to him by the Intendant, and therefore merely observed,
"I presumed that the child would not be left on our hands;" and then the
conversation dropped.

As Oswald had informed them, the Intendant made his appearance in the
forenoon of the following day, and was accompanied by his daughter, who
rode by his side. A groom, on another horse, led a pony for Clara to
ride