wn to him by Patience.

Edward did not sleep much that night. The novelty of his situation--the
novelty of his prospects, and his speculations thereon, kept him awake
till near morning; he was, however, up in good time, and having assisted
at the morning prayers, and afterwards eaten a most substantial
breakfast, he took his leave of the Intendant and the two girls, and set
off on his return to the cottage, having renewed his promise of coming
on the following Monday to take up his abode with them. Billy was
fresh, and cantered gaily along, so that Edward was back early in the
afternoon, and once more welcomed by his household. He stated to
Humphrey all that had occurred, and Humphrey was much pleased at Edward
having accepted the offer of the Intendant. Alice and Edith did not
quite so much approve of it, and a few tears were shed at the idea of
Edward leaving the cottage. The next day, Edward and Humphrey set off
for Lymington, with Billy in the cart.

"Do you know, Edward," said Humphrey, "what I am going to try and
purchase? I will tell you--as many kids as I can, or goats and kids, I
don't care which."

"Why, have you not stock enough, already? You will this year have four
cows in milk, and you have two cow calves bringing up."

"That is very true, but I do not intend to have goats for their milk,
but simply for eating in lieu of mutton. Sheep I cannot manage, but
goats, with a little hay in winter, will do well, and will find
themselves in the forest all the year round. I won't kill any of the
females for the first year or two, and after that I expect we shall have
a flock sufficient to meet any demand upon it."

"It is not a bad idea, Humphrey; they will always come home, if you have
hay for them during the winter."

"Yes, and a large shed for them to lie in when the snow is on the
ground."

"Now I recollect, when we used to go to Lymington, I saw a great many
goats, and I have no doubt that they are to be purchased. I will soon
ascertain that for you, from the landlord of the hostelrie," replied
Edward.

"We will drive there first, as I must ask him to recommend me a tailor."

On their arrival at Lymington, they went straight to the hostelrie, and
found the landlord at home. He recommended a tailor to Edward, who sent
for him to the inn, and was measured by him for a plain suit of dark
cloth. Edward and Humphrey then went out, as Edward had to procure
boots, and many other articles of dres