. Now I admit you have
a right to be angry."

"I see no cause for anger, Edward," replied Patience. "I have not
thought of you but as a friend and benefactor; it would have been wrong
to have done otherwise. I am but a young person, and must be guided by
my father. I would not offend him by disobedience. I thank you for
your good opinion of me, and yet I wish you had not said what you have."

"Am I to understand from your reply, that if your father raised no
objection, my lowly birth would be none in your opinion?"

"Your birth has never come into my head, except when reminded of it by
yourself."

"Then, Patience, let me return for the present to what I had to confide
to you. I was--"

"Here comes my father, Edward," said Patience.

"Surely I have done wrong, for I feel afraid to meet him."

Mr Heatherstone now joined them, and said to Edward--

"I have been looking for you; I have news from London which has rejoiced
me much. I have at last obtained what I have some time been trying for;
and, indeed, I may say that your prudence and boldness in returning home
as a trooper, added to your conduct in the forest, has greatly advanced,
and ultimately obtained for me my suit. There was some suspense before
that; but your conduct has removed it; and now we shall have plenty to
do."

They walked to the house, and the Intendant, as soon as he had gained
his own room, said to Edward--

"There is a grant to me of a property which I have long solicited for my
services--read it." Edward took up the letter, in which the Parliament
informed Mr Heatherstone that his application for the property of
Arnwood had been acceded to, and signed by the Commissioners; and that
he might take immediate possession. Edward turned pale as he laid the
document down on the table.

"We will ride to-morrow, Edward, and look it over. I intend to rebuild
the house."

Edward made no reply.

"Are you not well?" said the Intendant, with surprise.

"Yes, sir," replied Edward, "I am well, I believe, but I will confess to
you that I am disappointed. I did not think that you would have
accepted a property from such a source, and so unjustly sequestrated."

"I am sorry, Edward," replied the Intendant, "that I should have fallen
in your good opinion; but allow me to observe that you are so far right,
that I never would have accepted a property to which there were living
claimants; but this is a different case. For instance, the Ratcl