ll spare man, dressed after the fashion of the Roundheads of the
time. He presented the letter. Mr Langton bowed and requested Edward
to sit down; and after Edward had taken a chair, he then seated himself
and opened the letter.

"You are right welcome, Master Armitage," said Mr Langton; "I find
that, young as you appear to be, you are in the whole confidence of our
mutual friend Mr Heatherstone. He hints at your being probably obliged
to take a journey to the north, and that you will be glad to take charge
of any letters which I may have to send in that direction. I will have
them ready for you; and in case of need they will be such as will give a
colouring to your proceeding, provided you may not choose to reveal your
true object. How wears our good friend Heatherstone, and his daughter?"

"Quite well, sir."

"And he told me in one of his former letters that he had the daughter of
our poor friend Ratcliffe with him. Is it not so?"

"It is, Mr Langton; and as gentle and pretty a child as you could wish
to see."

"When did you arrive in London?"

"Yesterday evening, sir."

"And do you propose any stay?"

"That I cannot answer, sir; I must be guided by your advice. I have
nought to do here, unless it be to deliver some three or four letters,
given me by Mr Heatherstone."

"It is my opinion, Master Armitage, that the less you are seen in this
city the better; there are hundreds employed to find out newcomers, and
to discover from their people, or by other means, for what purpose they
may have come; for you must be aware, Master Armitage, that the times
are dangerous and people's minds are various. In attempting to free
ourselves from what we considered despotism, we have created for
ourselves a worse despotism, and one that is less endurable. It is to
be hoped that what has passed will make not only kings, but subjects,
wiser than they have been. Now what do you propose--to leave this
instantly?"

"Certainly, if you think it advisable."

"My advice, then, is to leave London immediately. I will give you
letters to some friends of mine in Lancashire and Yorkshire; in either
county you can remain unnoticed, and make what preparations you think
necessary. But do nothing in haste--consult well, and be guided by
them, who will, if it is considered advisable and prudent, join with you
in your project. I need say no more. Call upon me to-morrow morning an
hour before noon, and I will have letters ready