nstead of going myself, and to that I presume you will have no
objection?"

"Certainly none, sir."

"Well, then, it is no use saying any more just now; you will have a
chamber in this house, and you will live with me, and at my table
altogether. Neither shall I say anything just now about remuneration,
as I am convinced that you will be satisfied. All that I require now,
is to know the day that you will come, that everything may be ready."

"I suppose, sir, I must change my attire?" replied Edward, looking at
his forester's dress; "that will hardly accord with the office of
secretary."

"I agree with you that it will be better to keep that dress for your
forest excursions, as I presume you will not altogether abandon them,"
replied the Intendant. "You can provide yourself with a suit at
Lymington. I will furnish you the means."

"I thank you, sir, I have means, much more than sufficient," replied
Edward, "although not quite so wealthy as little Clara appeared to be."

"Wealthy, indeed!" replied the Intendant. "I had no idea that poor
Ratcliffe possessed so much ready money and jewels. Well, then, this is
Wednesday; can you come over next Monday?"

"Yes, sir," replied Edward, "I see no reason to the contrary."

"Well, then, that is settled, and I suppose you would like to see your
accommodation. Patience and Clara are in the next room. You can join
them, and you will make my daughter very happy by telling her that you
are to become a resident with us. You will of course dine with us
to-day, and sleep here to-night."

Mr Heatherstone then opened the door, and saying to his daughter,
"Patience, my dear, I leave you to entertain Edward Armitage till
dinner-time," he ushered Edward in, and closed the door again. Clara
ran up to Edward as soon as he went in; and having kissed him, Edward
then took Patience's offered hand.

"Then you have consented?" said Patience inquiringly.

"Yes, I could not refuse such kindness," replied Edward.

"And when do you come?"

"On Monday night, if I can be ready by that time."

"Why, what have you to get ready?" said Clara.

"I must not appear in a forester's dress, my little Clara. I can wear
that with a gun in my hand, but not with a pen: so I must go to
Lymington and see what a tailor can do for me."

"You will feel as strange in a secretary's dress as I did in boys'
clothes," said Clara.

"Perhaps I may," said Edward; although he felt that such would not be