iffe
property belongs to little Clara and is sequestrated. Do you think I
would accept it? Never! But here is a property without an heir; the
whole family perished in the flames of Arnwood! There is no living
claimant! It must be given to somebody, or remain with the Government.
This property, therefore, and this property only, out of all
sequestrated, I selected; as I felt that, in obtaining it, I did harm to
no one. I have been offered others, but have refused them. I would
accept of this, and this only; and that is the reason why my
applications have hitherto been attended with no success. I trust you
believe me, Edward, in what I assert?"

"First answer me one question, Mr Heatherstone. Suppose it were proved
that the whole of the family did not, as it is supposed, perish at the
conflagration of Arnwood? Suppose a rightful heir to it should at any
time appear, would you then resign the property to him?"

"As I hope for heaven, Edward, I would!" replied the Intendant, solemnly
raising his eyes upwards as he spoke. "I then should think that I had
been an instrument to keep the property out of other hands less
scrupulous, and should surrender it as a trust which had been confided
to me for the time only."

"With such feelings, Mr Heatherstone, I can now congratulate you upon
your having obtained possession of the property," replied Edward.

"And yet I do not deserve so much credit, as there is little chance of
my sincerity being put to the test, Edward. There is no doubt that the
family all perished; and Arnwood will become the dower of Patience
Heatherstone."

Edward's heart beat quick. A moment's thought told him his situation.
He had been prevented, by the interruption of Mr Heatherstone, from
making his confession to Patience; and now he could not make it to
anybody without a rupture with the Intendant, or a compromise, by asking
what he so earnestly desired--the hand of Patience. Mr Heatherstone
observing to Edward that he did not look so well, said supper was ready;
and that they had better go into the next room. Edward mechanically
followed. At supper he was tormented by the incessant inquiries of
Clara, as to what was the matter with him. He did not venture to look
at Patience, and made a hasty retreat to bed; complaining, as he well
might do, of a severe headache.

Edward threw himself on his bed, but to sleep was impossible. He
thought of the events of the day over and over again. Ha