, Edward," replied Humphrey. "All I can say
is, that we have had no visitors--that we have longed for your return--
and that we have not been idle since you quitted us."

"What horses were those in the stable," said Edward, "that you turned
out to make room for ours when we arrived?"

Humphrey laughed, and then informed Edward of the manner in which they
had succeeded in capturing them.

"Well, you really deserve credit, Humphrey, and certainly were not born
to be secluded in this forest."

"I rather think that I have found that I was born for it," replied
Humphrey, "although, I must confess, that since you have quitted us I
have not felt so contented here as I did before. You have returned, and
you have no idea what an alteration I see in you since you have mixed
with the world, and have been a party in such stirring scenes."

"Perhaps so, Humphrey," replied Edward; "and yet do you know that,
although I so ardently wished to mix with the world, and to follow the
wars, I am anything but satisfied with what I have seen of it; and so
far from feeling any inclination to return to it I rather feel more
inclined to remain here, and remain in quiet and in peace. I have been
disappointed, that is the truth. There is a great difference between
the world such as we fancy it when we are pining for it, and the world
when we actually are placed within the vortex, and perceive the secret
springs of men's actions. I have gained a lesson, but not a
satisfactory one, Humphrey; it may be told in a very few words. It is a
most deceitful and hollow world! And that is all there is to be said."

"What very agreeable, pleasant young men are Masters Chaloner and
Grenville," observed Humphrey.

"Chaloner I know well," replied Edward; "he is to be trusted, and he is
the only one in whom I have been able to place confidence, and therefore
I was most fortunate in falling in with him as I did on my first
starting. Grenville I know little about; we met often, it is true, but
it was in the presence of the king, being both of us on his staff; at
the same time, I must acknowledge that I know nothing against him; and
this I do know, which is, that he is brave."

Edward then narrated what had passed between the Intendant and himself
since his return; and how well satisfied the Intendant had been with his
_ruse_ in returning to him in the dress of a trooper.

"Talking about that, Edward, do you not think it likely that we shall
have the