d he any reason
to believe that Patience returned his affection? No: her reply was too
calm, too composed, to make him suppose that; and now that she would be
an heiress, there would be no want of pretenders to her hand; and he
would lose her and his property at the same time. It was true that the
Intendant had declared that he would renounce the property if the true
heir appeared, but that was easy to say upon the conviction that no heir
would appear; and even if he did renounce it, the Parliament would
receive it again, rather than it should fall into the hands of a
Beverley. "Oh that I had never left the cottage," thought Edward. "I
might then at least have become resigned and contented with my lot. Now
I am miserable, and, whichever way I turn, I see no prospect of being
otherwise. One thing only I can decide upon, which is, that I will not
remain any longer than I can help under this roof. I will go over and
consult with Humphrey; and if I can only place my sisters as I want,
Humphrey and I will seek our fortunes."

Edward rose at daylight, and, dressing himself, went down and saddled
his horse. Desiring Sampson to tell the Intendant that he had gone over
to the cottage, and would return by the evening, he rode across the
forest, and arrived just as they were sitting down to breakfast. His
attempts to be cheerful before his sisters did not succeed, and they
were all grieved to see him look so pale and haggard. As soon as
breakfast was over Edward made a sign, and he and Humphrey went out.

"What is the matter, my dear brother?" said Humphrey.

"I will tell you all. Listen to me," replied Edward, who then gave him
the detail of all that had passed, from the time he had walked out with
Patience Heatherstone till he went to bed. "Now, Humphrey, you know
all; and what shall I do? Remain there I cannot!"

"If Patience Heatherstone had professed regard for you," replied
Humphrey, "the affair would have been simple enough. Her father could
have no objections to the match; and he would at the same time have
acquitted his conscience as to the retaining of the property: but you
say she showed none."

"She told me very calmly that she was sorry that I had said what I did."

"But do women always mean what they say, brother?" said Humphrey.

"She does, at all events," replied Edward; "she is truth itself. No, I
cannot deceive myself. She feels a deep debt of gratitude for the
service I rendered her; and t