ed. The court was now one continual scene of fetes and
gaiety. On the following day a drawing-room was to be held, and
Edward's sisters were to be presented. Edward was standing, with many
others of the suite, behind the chair of the king, amusing himself with
the presentations as they took place, and waiting for the arrival of his
sisters. Chaloner and Grenville were not with him, they had obtained
leave to go into the country, for the object we have before referred
to--when his eyes caught, advancing towards the king, Mr Heatherstone,
who led his daughter Patience. That they had not perceived him was
evident; indeed her eyes were not raised once, from the natural timidity
felt by a young woman in the presence of royalty. Edward half concealed
himself behind one of his companions, that he might gaze upon her
without reserve. She was indeed a lovely young person, but little
altered, except having grown taller and more rounded and perfect in her
figure; and her court-dress displayed proportions which her humble
costume at the New Forest had concealed, or which time had not matured.
There was the same pensive sweet expression in her face, which had
altered little; but the beautiful rounded arms, the symmetrical fall of
the shoulders, and the proportion of the whole figure, was a surprise to
him; and Edward, in his own mind, agreed that she might well be the
reigning toast of the day.

Mr Heatherstone advanced and made his obeisance, and then his daughter
was led forward, and introduced by a lady unknown to Edward. After he
had saluted her, the king said, loud enough for Edward to hear--

"My obligations to your father are great. I trust that the daughter
will often grace our court." Patience made no reply, but passed on;
and, soon afterwards, Edward lost sight of her in the crowd. If there
ever had been any check to Edward's feelings towards Patience--and time
and absence have their effect upon the most ardent of lovers--the sight
of her so resplendent in beauty acted upon him like magic; and he was
uneasy till the ceremony was over, and he was enabled to go to his
sisters.

When he entered the room he found himself in the arms of Humphrey, who
had arrived with the messenger. After the greetings were over, Edward
said--

"Alice, I have seen Patience, and I fear I must surrender at discretion.
Mr Heatherstone may make his own terms; I must waive all pride rather
than lose her. I thought that I had more con