r the
present government, but a private situation you can raise no objection
to; the more so as, so far from leaving your family, you will be more in
a position to protect them. I am in want of a secretary, and I wish you
to accept that office, to live entirely in my house, and to receive a
handsome salary for your services, which will not, I trust, be too
heavy. You will be near to your family here in the cottage, and be able
to protect them and assist them; and what is more, you will mix with the
world and know what is going on, as I am in the confidence of the
government. Of course I put implicit confidence in you, or I would not
offer the situation. But you will not be always down here: I have my
correspondents and friends, to whom I shall have to send you
occasionally on most trusty commissions. You, I am sure, will suit me
in every respect, and I hope you will undertake the post which I now
offer you. Give me no answer just now; consult with your brother, and
give the offer due consideration, and when you have made up your mind
you can let me know."

Edward bowed; and the Intendant went into the cottage.

Edward then assisted Humphrey and Pablo to get the iron chest on the
cart, and covered it with the other packages and boxes, till the cart
was well loaded. Leaving Pablo in charge till Oswald came from the
stables, Edward and Humphrey then went into the cottage, where they
found a very social party; Patience Heatherstone having succeeded in
making great friends with the other three girls, and the Intendant, to
Edward's surprise, laughing and joking with them. Alice and Edith had
brought out some milk, biscuits, and all the fruit that was ripe, with
some bread, a piece of cold salt beef, and a ham: and they were eating
as well as talking.

"I have been praising your sisters' housekeeping, Armitage," said the
Intendant. "Your farm appears to be very productive."

"Alice expected Miss Heatherstone, sir," replied Edward, "and made an
unusual provision. You must not think that we live on such fare every
day."

"No," replied the Intendant drily; "on other days I daresay you have
other fare. I would almost make a bet that there is a pasty in the
cupboard which you dare not show to the Intendant of the New Forest."

"You are mistaken, sir, for once," replied Humphrey. "Alice knows well
how to make one, but she has not one just now."

"Well, I must believe you, Master Humphrey," replied the Intendant.