in Ireland, and they say very successful; but I have cared
little for particulars."

"They say a great deal more, sir," replied Oswald; "they say that the
king is in Scotland, and that the Scotch have raised an army for him."

"Indeed!" replied Edward, "that is news indeed! The Intendant has never
mentioned it to me."

"I daresay not, sir; for he knows your feelings, and would be sorry to
part with you."

"I will certainly speak to him on the subject," said Edward, "at the
risk of his displeasure; and join the army I will, if I find what you
say is true. I should hold myself a craven to remain here while the
king is fighting for his own, and not to be at his side."

"Well, sir, I think it is true, for I heard that the Parliament had sent
over for General Cromwell to leave Ireland, and lead the troops against
the Scotch army."

"You drive me mad, Oswald! I will go to the Intendant immediately!"

Edward, much excited by the intelligence, went into the room where he
usually sat with the Intendant. The latter, who was at his desk, looked
up, and saw how flushed Edward was, and said very quietly--

"Edward, you are excited, I presume, from hearing the news which has
arrived?"

"Yes, sir, I am very much so; and I regret very much that I should be
the last to whom such important news is made known."

"It is, as you say, important news," replied the Intendant; "but if you
will sit down, we will talk a little upon the subject."

Edward took a chair, and the Intendant said--

"I have no doubt that your present feeling is to go to Scotland, and
join the army without delay?"

"Such is my intention, I candidly confess, sir. It is my duty."

"Perhaps you may be persuaded to the contrary before we part," replied
the Intendant. "The first duty you owe is to your family in their
present position; they depend upon you; and a false step on your part
would be their ruin. How can you leave them, and leave my employ,
without it being known for what purpose you are gone? It is impossible!
I must myself make it known, and even then it would be very injurious
to me, the very circumstance of my having one of your party in my
service. I am suspected by many already, in consequence of the part I
have taken against the murder of the late king, and also of the lords
who have since suffered. But, Edward, I did not communicate this
intelligence to you, for many reasons. I knew that it would soon come
to your ears, and I tho