They started early
the next morning, and Edward asked Oswald if he knew why the Intendant
had sent for him.

"Not exactly," replied Oswald; "but I think, from what I heard Miss
Patience say, it is to offer you some situation, if you could be
prevailed upon to accept it."

"Very true," replied Edward; "he offers me the post of secretary. What
do you think?"

"Why, sir, I think I would accept it; at all events, I would take it on
trial--there can be no harm done: if you do not like it you can only go
back to the cottage again. One thing I am sure of, which is, that
Master Heatherstone will make it as pleasant to you as he can, for he is
most anxious to serve you."

"That I really believe," replied Edward; "and I have, pretty well, made
up my mind to accept the office. It is a post of confidence, and I
shall know all that is going on, which I cannot do while I am secluded
in the forest; and depend upon it, we shall have stirring news."

"I suppose you think that the king will come over?" replied Oswald.

"I feel certain of it, Oswald; and that is the reason why I want to be
where I can know all that is going on."

"Well, sir, it is my opinion that the king will come over, as well as
yours; yet I think at present he stands but a poor chance; Master
Heatherstone knows more on that score than any one, I should think; but
he is very close."

The conversation then changed, and after a ride of eight hours they
arrived at the Intendant's house. Edward gave Billy into Oswald's
charge, and knocked at the door. Phoebe let him in, and asked him into
the sitting-room, where he found the Intendant alone.

"Edward Armitage, I am glad to see you; and shall be still more so if I
find that you have made up your mind to accept my proposition. What is
your reply?"

"I am very thankful to you for the offer, sir," replied Edward; "and
will accept it if you think that I am fitted for it, and if I find that
I am equal to it: I can but give it a trial, and leave if I find it too
arduous or too irksome."

"Too arduous it shall not be--that shall be my concern; and too irksome
I hope you will not find it. My letters are not so many but that I
could answer them myself, were it not that my eyes are getting weak, and
I wish to save them as much as possible. You will therefore have to
write chiefly what I shall dictate; but it is not only for that I
require a person that I can confide in. I very often shall send you to
London i