hat prevented her from being more harsh in
her reply than what she was."

"But if she knew that you were Edward Beverley, do you not think it
would make a difference in her?"

"And if it did, it would be too humiliating to think that I was only
married for my rank and station."

"But, considering you of mean birth, may she not have checked those
feelings which she considered under the circumstances improper to
indulge?"

"Where there is such a sense of propriety there can be little
affection."

"I know nothing about these things, Edward," replied Humphrey; "but I
have been told that a woman's heart is not easily read; or if I have not
been told it, I have read it or dreamt it."

"What do you propose to do?"

"What I fear you will not approve of, Humphrey; it is to break up our
establishment altogether. If the answer is favourable from the Misses
Conynghame, my sisters shall go to them; but that we had agreed upon
already. Then for myself--I intend to go abroad, resume my name, and
obtain employment in some foreign service. I will trust to the king for
assisting me to that."

"That is the worst part of it, Edward; but if your peace of mind depends
upon it, I will not oppose it."

"You, Humphrey, may come with me and share my fortunes, or do what you
think more preferable."

"I think then, Edward, that I shall not decide rashly. I must have
remained here with Pablo, if my sisters had gone to the Ladies
Conynghame and you had remained with the Intendant; I shall, therefore,
till I hear from you, remain where I am, and I shall be able to observe
what is going on here, and let you know."

"Be it so," replied Edward; "let me only see my sisters well placed, and
I shall be off the next day. It is misery to remain there now."

After some more conversation Edward mounted his horse and returned to
the Intendant's. He did not arrive till late, for supper was on the
table. The Intendant gave him a letter for Master Chaloner, which was
enclosed in one from Mr Langton;--and further informed Edward that news
had arrived of the king having made his escape to France.

"Thank God for that!" exclaimed Edward. "With your leave, sir, I will
to-morrow deliver this letter to the party to whom it is addressed, as I
know it to be of consequence."

The Intendant having given his consent, Edward retired without having
exchanged a word with Patience or Clara beyond the usual civilities of
the table.

The following morn