ice could find time to leave her duties in the cottage.
They were not more grave than usual at the idea of Edward's leaving
them, but they kept up their spirits, as they were aware that it was for
the advantage of all.

On Monday morning, Edward, to please his sisters, put on his new
clothes, and put his forester's dress in the bundle with his linen.
Alice and Edith thought he looked very well in them, and said that it
reminded them of the days of Arnwood. The fact was that Edward appeared
as he was--a gentleman born; that could not well be concealed under a
forester's dress, and in his present attire it was undeniable. After
breakfast Billy was harnessed and brought to the cottage-door. Edward's
linen was put in the cart, and, as he had agreed with Humphrey, he took
only Smoker with him, leaving the puppy at the cottage. Pablo went with
him to bring back the cart. Edward kissed his sisters, who wept at the
idea of his leaving them, and shaking hands with Humphrey set off to
cross the forest.

"Who would ever have believed this?" thought Edward, as he drove across
the forest; "that I should put myself under the roof and under the
protection of a Roundhead--one in outward appearance, and in the opinion
of the world at least, if he is not so altogether in opinion. There is
surely some spell upon me, and I almost feel as if I were a traitor to
my principles. Why I know not, I feel a regard for that man, and a
confidence in him. And why should I not? He knows my principles, my
feelings against his party, and he respects them. Surely he cannot wish
to gain me over to his party; that were indeed ridiculous--a young
forester--a youth unknown. No, he would gain nothing by that, for I am
nobody. It must be from good-will, and no other feeling. I have
obliged him in the service I rendered his daughter, and he is grateful."
Perhaps, had Edward put the question to himself, "Should I have been on
such friendly terms with the Intendant--should I have accepted his
offer, if there had been no Patience Heatherstone?" he might then have
discovered what was the "spell upon him" which had rendered him so
tractable; but of that he had no idea. He only felt that his situation
would be rendered more comfortable by the society of an amiable and
handsome girl, and he inquired no further.

His reverie was broken by Pablo, who appeared tired of holding his
tongue, and said, "Massa Edward, you not like leave home--you think very
m