pity it is that
two such sweet girls as your sisters should be employed here in domestic
drudgery, and remain in such an uncultivated state--if I may be pardoned
for speaking so freely--but I do so because I am convinced that, if in
proper hands, they would grace a court; and you must feel that I am
right."

"Do you not think that the same feelings have passed in my mind,
Chaloner? Indeed, Humphrey will tell you that we were speaking on the
same subject but an hour ago. You must, however, be aware of the
difficulty I am in: were I in possession of Arnwood and its domain, then
indeed--but that is all over now, and I presume I shall shortly see my
own property, whose woods are now in sight of me, made over to some
Roundhead, for good services against the Cavaliers at Worcester."

"Edward," replied Chaloner, "I have this to say to you, and I can say it
because you know that I am indebted to you for my life, and that is a
debt that nothing can cancel: If at any time you determine upon removing
your sisters from this, recollect my maiden aunts at Portlake. They
cannot be in better hands, and they cannot be in the hands of any person
who will more religiously do their duty towards them, and be pleased
with the trust confided to them. They are rich, in spite of exactions;
but in these times women are not fined and plundered as men are, and
they have been well able to afford all that has been taken from them,
and all that they have voluntarily given to the assistance of our party.
They are alone, and I really believe that nothing would make them more
happy than to have the care of the two sisters of Edward Beverley--be
sure of that. But I will be more sure of it, if you will find means of
sending to them a letter, which I shall write to them. I tell you that
you will do them a favour, and that if you do not accept the offer, you
will sacrifice your sisters' welfare to your own pride,--which I do not
think you would do."

"Most certainly I will not do that," replied Edward; "and I am fully
sensible of your kind offer; but I can say no more until I hear what
your good aunts may reply to your letter. You mistake me much,
Chaloner, if you think that any sense of obligation would prevent me
from seeing my sisters removed from a position so unworthy of them, but
which circumstances have driven them to. That we are paupers is
undeniable; but I never shall forget that my sisters are the daughters
of Colonel Beverley."

"I