t
carefully, he kissed it, saying, "God grant that I may do credit to it,
and prove as worthy to wield it as was my brave father!" He had uttered
these words aloud; and again taking the sword, and laying it down on the
bed, turned round, and perceived that Patience had, unknown to him,
entered the room, and was standing close to him. Edward was not
conscious that he had spoken aloud, and therefore merely said, "I was
not aware of your presence, Patience. Your foot is so light."

"Whose sword is that, Edward?"

"It is mine; I bought it at Lymington."

"But what makes you have such an affection for that sword?"

"Affection for it?"

"Yes; as I came into the room you kissed it as fervently as--"

"As a lover would his mistress, I presume you would say," replied
Edward.

"Nay, I meant not to use such vain words. I was about to say as a
Catholic would a relic. I ask you again, why so? A sword is but a
sword. You are about to leave this on a mission of my father's. You
are not a soldier, about to engage in strife and war; if you were, why
kiss your sword?"

"I will tell you. I do love this sword. I purchased it, as I told you,
at Lymington, and they told me that it belonged to Colonel Beverley. It
is for his sake that I love it. You know what obligations our family
were under to him."

"This sword was then wielded by Colonel Beverley, the celebrated
Cavalier, was it?" said Patience, taking it from off the bed and
examining it.

"Yes, it was; and here, you see, are his initials upon the hilt."

"And why do you take it to London with you? Surely it is not the weapon
which should be worn by a secretary, Edward: it is too large, and
cumbrous, and out of character."

"Recollect, that till these last few months I have been a forester,
Patience, and not a secretary. Indeed I feel that I am more fit for
active life than the situation which your father's kindness has bestowed
upon me. I was brought up, as you have heard, to follow to the wars,
had my patron lived."

Patience made no reply. Clara now joined them, and they commenced the
task of examining the linen; and Edward left the room, as he wished to
speak with Oswald. They did not meet again till dinner-time. Edward's
sudden departure had spread a gloom over them all,--even the Intendant
was silent and thoughtful. In the evening he gave Edward the letters
which he had written, and a considerable sum of money, telling him where
he was to apply