he horse, and Wemyss the artillery. That Wemyss is certainly
a good officer, but was not true to the late king:--may he behave better
to the present! Now, Edward, I shall send you to London, and I will
give you letters to those who will advise you how to proceed. You may
take the black horse; he will bear you well. You will of course write
to me, for Sampson will go with you, and you can send him back when you
consider that you do not require or wish for his presence: there is no
time to be lost, for, depend upon it, Cromwell, who is still at
Edinburgh, will take the field as soon as he can. Are you ready to
start to-morrow morning?"

"Yes, sir, quite ready."

"I fear that you cannot go over to the cottage to bid farewell to your
sisters, but perhaps it is better that you should not."

"I think so too, sir," replied Edward; "now that the snow has nearly
disappeared I did think of going over, having been so long absent, but I
must send Oswald over instead."

"Well, then, leave me to write my letters, and do you prepare your
saddle-bags. Patience and Clara will assist you. Tell Sampson to come
to me."

Edward went to Patience and Clara, and told them that he was to set off
for London on the following morning, and was about to make his
preparations.

"How long do you remain, Edward?" inquired Patience.

"I cannot tell; Sampson goes with me, and I must of course be guided by
your father. Do you know where the saddle-bags are, Patience?"

"Yes, Phoebe shall bring them to your room."

"And you and Clara must come and give me your assistance."

"Certainly we will, if you require it; but I did not know that your
wardrobe was so extensive."

"You know that it is anything but extensive, Patience; but that is the
reason why your assistance is more required. A small wardrobe ought at
least to be in good order; and what I would require is, that you would
look over the linen, and where it requires a little repair you will
bestow upon it your charity."

"That we will do, Clara," replied Patience; "so get your needles and
thread, and let us send him to London with whole linen. We will come
when we are ready, sir."

"I don't like his going to London at all," said Clara; "we shall be so
lonely when he has gone."

Edward had left the room, and having obtained the saddle-bags from
Phoebe, had gone up to his chamber. The first thing that he laid hold
of was his father's sword; he took it down, and having wiped i