e present government. He has
paid you a deserved compliment by saying that he can and will trust you.
You must not refuse the offer, Edward--it would really be folly if you
did."

"I believe you are right, Humphrey; but I have been so accustomed to
range the forest--I am so fond of the chase--I am so impatient of
control or confinement, that I hardly know how to decide. A secretary's
life is anything but pleasing to me, sitting at a table writing and
reading all day long. The pen is but a poor exchange for the
long-barrelled gun."

"It does more execution, nevertheless," replied Humphrey, "if what I
have read is true. But you are not to suppose that your life will be
such a sedentary one. Did he not say that he would have to trust you
with missions of importance? Will you not, by going to London and other
places, and mixing with people of importance, be preparing yourself for
your proper station in life, which I trust that one day you will resume?
And does it follow that because you are appointed a secretary you are
not to go out in the forest and shoot a deer with Oswald, if you feel
inclined--with this difference, that you may do it then without fear of
being insulted or persecuted by such a wretch as that Corbould? Do not
hesitate any longer, my dear brother; recollect that our sisters ought
not to live this forest life as they advance in years--they were not
born for it, although they have so well conformed to it. It depends
upon you to release them eventually from their false position; and you
can never have such an opening as is now offered you, by one whose
gratitude alone will make him anxious to serve you."

"You are right, Humphrey, and I will accept the offer; I can but return
to you if things do not go on well."

"I thank you sincerely for your decision, Edward," replied Humphrey.
"What a sweet girl that Patience Heatherstone is!--I think I never saw
such an enchanting smile!"

Edward thought of the smile she gave him when they parted but an hour
ago, and agreed with Humphrey, but he replied--

"Why, brother, you are really in love with the Intendant's daughter."

"Not so, my dear fellow; but I am in love with her goodness and
sweetness of disposition, and so are Alice and Edith, I can tell you.
She has promised to come over and see them, and bring them flowers for
their garden, and I hardly know what; and I am very glad of it, as my
sisters have been buried here so long that they cannot but