ing Edward, who had not slept an hour during the
night, set off for Clara's cottage, and found Chaloner and Grenville
still in bed. At the sound of his voice the door was opened, and he
gave Chaloner the letter; the latter read it and then handed it to
Edward. The Misses Conynghame were delighted at the idea of receiving
the two daughters of Colonel Beverley, and would treat them as their
own; they requested that they might be sent to London immediately, where
the coach would meet them to convey them down to Lancashire. They
begged to be kindly remembered to Captain Beverley, and to assure him
that his sisters should be well cared for.

"I am much indebted to you, Chaloner," said Edward; "I will send my
brother off with my sisters as soon as possible. You will soon think of
returning to France; and if you will permit me, I will accompany you."

"You, Edward! That will be delightful; but you had no idea of the kind
when last we met. What has induced you to alter your mind?"

"I will tell you by and by; I do not think I shall be here again for
some days. I must be a great deal at the cottage when Humphrey is away;
for Pablo will have a great charge upon him--what with the dairy, and
horses, and breed of goats, and other things--more than he can attend
to; but as soon as Humphrey returns, I will come to you and make
preparations for our departure. Till then farewell, both of you. We
must see to provision you for three weeks or a month before Humphrey
starts."

Edward bade them a hearty farewell, and then rode to the cottage.

Although Alice and Edith had been somewhat prepared for leaving the
cottage, yet the time was so very uncertain, that the blow fell heavy
upon them. They were to leave their brothers, whom they loved so
dearly, to go to strangers; and when they understood that they were to
leave in two days, and that they should not see Edward again, their
grief was very great; but Edward reasoned with Alice and consoled her,
although with Edith it was a more difficult task. She not only lamented
her brothers, but her cow, her pony, and her kids; all the dumb animals
were friends and favourites of Edith; and even the idea of parting with
Pablo was the cause of a fresh burst of tears. Having made every
arrangement with Humphrey, Edward once more took his leave, promising to
come over and assist Pablo as soon as he could.

The next day Humphrey was busied in his preparations. They supplied the
provisi